Rolls Royces, Porsche and Lamborghini among six luxury cars seized in Seaham as man arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering

Two Rolls Royces, a Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz cars valued at more than £500,000 were seized by officers from the North East Regional Economic Crime Unit (RECU) in Seaham on Tuesday, November 10.

The raids took place at addresses in Weybourne Lea and Jubilee Avenue, both in Seaham, and a search was also carried out at a property in Borough Road, in Middlesbrough.

A 39-year-old was arrested in Seaham on suspicion of fraud and money laundering. He has since been interviewed by officers and released under investigation.

The seizures were part of Operation Sentinel - a joint operation involving Durham Constabulary, Northumbria Police and Cleveland Police to target serious and organised crime in the region.

Detective Inspector Mick Ryan, who led the operation, said: “Officers from the North East Regional Economic Crime Unit working alongside policing partners conducted search operations in Seaham and Middlesbrough.

“The searches were conducted in connection with an investigation into serious and organised fraud against vehicle finance companies.

“As a result of today’s policing operation, six high spec sport and prestige vehicles worth an estimated value of £500,000 have been recovered, and a local 39-year-old man has been arrested.

“Everyone should be aware that obtaining finance by fraud is a serious offence, and the police will continue to work closely with the financial industry to identify and prosecute such activity.”

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