Arrests in connection with reported money laundering offences

Officers arrest five people in connection with reported money laundering offences

Four warrants have been executed at properties in Hartlepool and Stockton this morning, Monday March 10, resulting in five people being arrested.

Cleveland Police executed the warrants with support from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), as part of Operational Sentinel, to disrupt activity around organised crime.

Two men, aged 61 and 32, and two women, aged 59 and 28, have all been arrested on suspicion of money laundering. A 19-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering. They all currently remain in police custody.

NEROCU Detective Inspector Gaye Martin said: “This is just the latest display of North East partners working together to protect communities and pursue those suspected of being involved in serious and organised crime.

“Work just like this will continue under Operation Sentinel and we will use every tool, resource and tactic at our disposal, alongside partners, to ensure anyone believed to be harming others or the community will be brought to justice.”

Speaking of the operation, Detective Inspector Louise Sproson from Hartlepool CID, said: “This morning has shown a great example of positive partnership working and how working together helps to disrupt organised crime.

“Serious and organised crime has such a detrimental effect on our communities and the people living in them. We won’t tolerate this and we aim to improve the lives of residents and the public in the Hartlepool area. This activity has resulted in five arrests today.”