Eleven men have been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of laundering the proceeds of a multi-million pound alcohol and VAT fraud.

It is believed that the fraud involved the laundering of around £50 million in evaded duty and tax.

HMRC officers searched 11 residential and eight business addresses in London, Berkshire, Surrey, East Sussex and Buckinghamshire yesterday morning. Computers, £400,000 cash and personal and business records were removed during the property searches.

John Cooper, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:

“HMRC will not hesitate to investigate anyone suspected of stealing public funds and laundering the proceeds of criminal activity. If you have information about people who may be involved in money laundering, please call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

The men were interviewed by HMRC and released on bail until 30 June 2015. Investigations are ongoing.

Notes for editors

1. Details of those arrested yesterday 28 January 2015, on suspicion of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002:

Buckinghamshire

One man aged 44

One residential property searched.

Berkshire

Windsor – two men man aged 35

Slough – two men aged 34 and 47

Nine properties searched – four residential and five business.

London

Brentford – two men aged 44 and 48

Wembley – one man aged 50

Kingsbury – one man aged 45

Hounslow – one man aged 44

Seven properties searched – five residential and two business.

Surrey

Surbiton – one man aged 36

One residential property searched.

East Sussex

One business property searched.

2.Anyone with information about people involved in alcohol smuggling and tax evasion is encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.

3.Follow HMRC Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

4.HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgov.uk