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Ferrari seized as arrests made

Northumbria Police

27 January 2009


"An Italian supercar was among the items seized during a joint operation between police and the Environment Agency in north Northumberland.
Officers executed warrants at nine addresses in Berwick, north Northumberland and Duns in Scotland in the latest stage of a long-running investigation into money laundering and illegal waste activities.
Five men, aged 35, 39, 48, 52 and 72 were arrested and bailed under the Proceeds of Crime Act and on suspicion of environmental offences.
Among items seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act were cars including a Ferrari Spider, a Range Rover, a speedboat and thousands of pounds in cash.
Detective Inspector Steve Patrick, from Northumberland Area Command, said: ""This activity was part of a long-running operation with the Environment Agency to tackle both environemntal offences and also those under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
All those arrested have now been bailed pending further enquiries but the investigation is very much ongoing. We are still counting the cash seized, believed to be well in excess of £40,000.
From a policing point of view, work is now underway to have all seized assets restrained as part of the force's ongoing drive to use their powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
We are determined to tackle those who live in local communties who are living a life of luxury from crime, while their neighbours continue to work hard to earn a living."""