19/10/2010

E-crime Officers Arrest Suspected 'Money Mule'

Ahead of National Identity Fraud Prevention week, Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Police Central e-crime Unit (PCeU) has arrested a suspected counterfeit credit card manufacturer.

During dawn raids in East Ham, PCeU officers arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of organising money 'mules' to open 'drop' accounts in order to launder the proceeds of online crimes abroad. He was taken into custody a central London police station.

Their proactive, intelligence led investigation also uncovered equipment believed to be used for manufacturing payment cards. It is believed the machinery was being prepared to read encoded details from stolen identities.

Officers searched a terraced house in East Ham around 6:00am and seized digital data which officers are in the process of examining. A number of blank cards with magnetic strips were also seized.

Detective Inspector Paul Hoare, from the PCeU, said: "Money Mules are one of the key enablers for all types of fiscal fraud and internet based crime in particular. This arrest reinforces our commitment to combating suspected money 'muling' in both London and across the UK. Individuals tempted by advertised job opportunities moving money using their bank accounts should not get involved as they could be taking part in wider organised money laundering crime."

Identity theft can be linked to a number of serious crimes, from terrorism to organised immigration crime.

(BMcN)


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