Docklands wine 'scam' sees six arrested
POLICE arrested six people during a massive fraud operation which saw unassuming wine buffs conned out of thousands of pounds. Officers believe that victims of the alleged fraud were persuaded to invest large sums of money in specialist wines from Austral
POLICE arrested six people during a massive fraud operation which saw unassuming wine buffs conned out of thousands of pounds.
Officers believe that victims of the alleged fraud were persuaded to invest large sums of money in specialist wines from Australia which did not actually exist.
People targeted were told that the wines could be 'laid down' and increase in value with age and that the scheme was a solid investment to put their savings into.
The operation today (Thurs), code named operation Iceman, resulted in six arrests following searches at two business premises and a number of residential addresses in around Canary Wharf and the Docklands and in Sidcup, Bexley.
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Two women aged 40 and 32 and four men aged 40, 65, 30, and 34 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences. They have all been taken to an east London police station where enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Robin Cross, head of the Fraud Squad, said: "This kind of investment fraud is becoming far too common. People from all economic backgrounds are being targeted and persuaded to invest in what appears to be a sound financial opportunity.
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"We would advise those considering investing money, whether it is a small or large amount, to do their research and be sure that the companies or individuals they are dealing with are reputable and legitimate.
