Money laundering suspects quizzed

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering after a raid on an unlicensed pawnbrokers in central London.

Police believe the shop in Mayfair was used to "clean" millions of pounds obtained illegally through false companies, credit cards and fraud.

Genuine members of the public who pawned items at the shop are thought to have lost goods and money.

The six have been taken to a central London police station for questioning.

'Legitimate customers'

A 29-year-old woman was arrested at the shop, while the others were held during raids on properties in Knightsbridge and south London.

A 35-year-old man, believed to be the group's ringleader, and a 34-year-old woman were both arrested on Park Street, Mayfair.

Another 29-year-old woman and a a 27-year-old man were arrested in Battersea, south London.

Det Ch Insp Sean Wanless, from the Metropolitan Police's economic and specialist crime directorate, said: "Today's disruption is part of our approach to ensure criminals do not benefit from serious crime.

"The (35-year-old) man arrested today is believed to have facilitated criminality through various means of money laundering.

"His actions have impacted upon legitimate customers and have potentially damaged the reputation of the jewellery and pawnbroking industry."