A MAN is being held by police in East London in a �1 million Internet fraud investigation. The 32-year-old was arrested at his home in Poplar and was taken to Bethnal Green police station, Scotland Yard confirmed last night

A MAN is being held by police in East London in a �1 million Internet fraud investigation.

The 32-year-old was arrested at his home in Poplar and was taken to Bethnal Green police station, Scotland Yard confirmed last night.

Police are carrying out a joint operation with HM Revenue & Custom which began in June.

Customs officials reported "an e-crime attack" on their computer system.

The investigation is looking into what Scotland Yard believes is "a criminal network stealing money from HM Customs through fraudulent claims" with the self-assessment tax repayments system.

Det Chief Ins Terry Wilson said: "The issue of 'e-crime' is a growing problem across all business sectors and online services.

"We are committed to making sure criminals do not find the Internet a 'safe' environment to operate in."

The man was arrested on suspicion of alleged "fraud and money laundering.