Nine men have been arrested this morning (Thursday, 28 January) as part of a Merseyside Police investigation into a North Liverpool crime group suspected of laundering large amounts of money from their criminal activities.
The nine men were arrested by teams of officers executing 13 simultaneous search warrants at properties in Kirkdale, Walton, Fazakerley and Aintree areas at 7am. Suspects were detained inside and extensive searches have been carried out.
A quantity of cash has been seized and a cannabis farm with around 100 plants was also discovered on Chirkdale Street, Kirkdale.
The arrests are the culmination of a six-month investigation by detectives targeting an organised crime group originating from the Kirkdale area of Liverpool North. Members of this group are suspected of using local bookmakers to launder the proceeds of their criminal activities.
Chief Inspector Matt Boyle from Liverpool Policing area said: “These warrants and arrests are the culmination of a long-running investigation into a crime group which has caused significant harm to these communities. We will use any means available to us to reduce their impact, and we will continue to dismantle the group until they are incapable of operating.
“Today’s arrests have only been made possible by the strenuous efforts of investigation teams, and every person arrested this morning will now be interviewed about their suspected involvement in these offences.”
“Vital to these investigations is continued information from those communities affected, so we can improve the quality of life for law-abiding members of the public.
“My message to those engaged in organised crime is clear: we know who you are, we can see where you are operating, and we will come knocking.
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