Two in the cells and a hidden mobile phone seized thanks to Police Dog Mila

Two suspected fraudsters, men aged 59 and 54, have been arrested after strike day warrants at four addresses across Chester-le-Street, Morpeth and Hartlepool.

Early this morning (Tuesday), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by Northumbria Police and Cleveland Police, carried out the targeted operation which resulted in the two arrests.

Thanks to Police Dog Mila a hidden mobile phone was also uncovered and seized along with several high value watches, multiple digital devices and significant amounts of financial documentation.

The robust police action comes as part of a continued approach to disrupt fraud and protect North East communities.

Those arrested currently remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

If looking to invest ensure that you have researched the platform, avoid rushed offers, cold calls, and suspicious links, only invest what you can afford to lose and if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant Andrea Smith, part of NEROCU’s Regional Economic Crime Unit, said: “This police activity shows we are not slowing down in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle the fraud operations harming the public.

“I want to thank everyone working on this investigation, their hard work has secured arrests today and hopefully we see success at court down-the-line.

“Work just like today will continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel – our regional approach to disrupting and tackling all forms of Serious and Organised Crime here impacting the North East.”

Anyone who has any information about criminal activity, can report it to their local police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to Report Fraud via their website or 0300 123 2040.