Five arrested by Wiltshire Police after suspected courier fraud
It saw the force have to travel to London
Five men have been arrested by Wiltshire Police after incidents of fraud against vulnerable people in the county.
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.
They tried to trick victims into withdrawing money or buying expensive items and giving them to a 'courier', who was also a criminal.
Officers from the Wiltshire Police Complex Fraud Team and specialist support units travelled to London yesterday (Wednesday 12th May) as part of Project Optimise.
After a number of incidents across Wiltshire, the force worked with the Metropolitan Police and executed a warrant at a central London property.
Five men were then arrested on suspicion of Fraud and Money Laundering.
The force say that it appears a sophisticated and organised scheme was operating that preyed on a large number of victims, and was being run as a business enterprise.
Alison Wiles, manager of Wiltshire Police's Complex Fraud Team said:
"I would like to reiterate that neither the police nor your bank will ever ask you to assist an investigation by withdrawing or transferring your own money or purchasing high value items.
If such requests are made, I would urge you to hang up straight away and contact the police. I would also ask that you speak to your friends or family to make them aware of this type of crime."
All five men have since been released under investigation with enquiries on going.
Detective Superintendent Steve Kirby said:
"This is a great example of different police forces and teams coming together to robustly disrupt organised crime. It is something that we take incredibly seriously, and we will do everything possible to ensure that criminals preying on vulnerable members of our society are stopped promptly and held to account."
Anyone with information pertaining to 'courier frauds' or other organised criminality is urged to provide information to Wiltshire Police on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.