A man has been arrested in Teesside as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into a suspected Chinese underground banking network.

The 33-year-old Chinese national was detained on suspicion of money laundering in Ingleby Barwick this morning during a series of raids in the North East.

The investigation relates to the alleged laundering of criminal cash through so-called Daigou shopping, where high value retail items such as watches, jewellery or designer goods are purchased in the UK and then shipped to China to be re-sold.

The male is now being questioned by NCA investigators, who also seized high value premium goods during the raids.

NCA Branch Commander Martin Clarke said:

“Organised criminals need money launderers to clean their profits and fund further offending. We are determined to do all we can to stop the flow of illicit cash, and this investigation demonstrates that in action.”

4 August 2022