Published Date: 12 August 2010

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Money-laundering-raid-on-Sunderland.6470852.jp

A Sunderland business was raided as part of a money laundering investigation.

Officers from the Economic Crime Unit and Total Policing Task Force searched properties in Sunderland, Seaton Burn, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Northumberland and Newcastle.

About £1,000 in cash, counterfeit clothing, a Taser and large quantity oADVERTISEMENTf viagra was recovered.

Computers and paperwork have also been seized for examination.

Detectives believe a coach company is being operated by people who are disqualified from the industry.

No arrests were made in Sunderland, but five arrests were made during the related raids across the region.

A 52-year-old was arrested at a residential address in Fenham, Newcastle, a 40-year-old man and 47-year-old woman in Cramlington, and two men, aged 21 and 58, were arrested at a business in Seaton Burn, for money laundering.

They have been interviewed and bailed pending further police inquiries.

Police will now apply to claw back property to the value of £1.5million, including money, vehicles, houses and commercial properties, under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim McCall of the economic crime unit said: "The Proceeds of Crime Act allows the police to tackle suspected criminals using unconventional methods and hit them where it hurts by taking their wealth from them."