POLICE who raided a property in Thame this morning arrested a man as part of large-scale money laundering investigation.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud offences and remains in custody.

It relates to substantial sums of money obtained from a number of fraud offences committed between September 2019 and December 2019.

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These included romance fraud committed against vulnerable victims.

This is the practice of fraudsters using dating websites and apps to create fake profiles and form relationships. They often gain trust from their victims and then ask for money, or even steal identities.

Thames Valley Police Criminal Finance Team are leading the investigation relating to criminal funds obtained from victims of fraud in the UK and abroad.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, of the Economic Crime Unit, said: “This morning we have executed this warrant as part of a large and complex money laundering investigation.

“The person in custody has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud offences.

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“Criminals rely on their ability to launder their criminal money. We work closely with UK financial institutions to target and disrupt this activity. Money launderers are key components of organised crime networks and our Criminal Finance Team has been set up to combat this element.

“As we continue with our investigation, I hope that the action taken today reassures the local communities that we take these offences seriously. We are working hard to restore losses to the victims and to ensure criminals do not benefit from their crimes.

“During these unusual and difficult times, unscrupulous criminals continue to target and exploit vulnerable victims. We take this opportunity to remind people to be extremely vigilant, particularly if contacted by telephone and asked to transfer sums of money.

“Take five minutes to think carefully before carrying out any transaction involving the transferring or withdrawing of funds. If in any doubt do not transact and contact your bank for advice.”