Arrests for fraud and money laundering after scam calls target vulnerable people in Wiltshire
Daniel Angelini, 13 May 2021
A gang had been targeting victims by calling them, pretending that they were the police and asking for help investigating fraud in banks or other organisations.
The callers tried to trick victims into withdrawing money or buying expensive items and handing them to a courier, who was actually another criminal that came to the victim’s home. Officers from Wiltshire Police’s complex fraud team and specialist support units travelled to London on Wednesday as part of Project Optimise, designed to tackle serious and organised criminality.
The force worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to execute a warrant in central London and arrest five men on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.
They found evidence of a sophisticated and organised scheme that preyed on a large number of victims, and being run as a business enterprise. The arrested men were later released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
