During March, police across England and Wales have been taking part in dedicated operations targeting those using money laundering to fund wider serious and organised crime like drug and firearm supply, child exploitation, human trafficking, and modern slavery.

In the North East, thanks to the co-ordinated efforts by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Cleveland Police, Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary, the National Crime Agency (NCA), Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration, the activity saw a total of 39 premises visited.

The operation, known nationally as Project Machinize, also saw the seizure of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco worth over £80,000 across the region as well as £5,000 in cash believed to be linked to illegal activities and the arrest of a 34-year-old man on suspicion of money laundering and possessing stolen goods.

During the operation, criminal networks involved in money laundering were targeted by police and partner agencies, who focused resources to tackling large-scale illegal operations who use this tactic as a way of ‘cleaning’ their illicit income.

Money laundering often exploits vulnerable people including young students to act as money mules – using violence and intimidation to manipulate and control victims.

Officers across the North East also worked with partners to help raise awareness in communities about the risks associated with money laundering to help spot the signs, know how to report, and ask for help.

The intensification period was designed to disrupt criminal organisations by disrupting a key source of their income, while simultaneously targeting those involved, safeguarding vulnerable people being exploited, and helping to build a wider intelligence picture around how the criminal networks operate.

NEROCU Detective Inspector Tommy Maughan, has praised the co-ordinated activity and reminds criminals that work like this is why crime really doesn’t pay.

He said: “This national operation has been a huge success. Not only has it disrupted and dismantled a significant amount of organised criminal activity, but the intelligence gathered will also help inform future investigations across the country.

“We’re making significant inroads in our mission to crackdown on this type of criminal activity and cut off the illicit funds of organised gangs.

“Activity like this is always ongoing, and police forces and partners in our region remain dedicated to tackling all forms of serious and organised crime in order to safeguard the vulnerable, protect victims and communities and bring justice to those exploiting others and committing crime.”

Anyone with information about criminal activity, can contact their local police force online or via 101.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org