Vehicles seized in fraud inquiry

Police investigating a suspected fraud involving the sale of cars with false mileage readings have seized 33 vehicles from a motor dealer in Leeds.

West Yorkshire police said they had evidence of cars being bought at auction and sold on after being clocked - given reduced mileometer readings.

Detectives believe about £1m may have been made from the sale of such cars.

Three people arrested in connection with the inquiry have been released on bail while inquiries continue.

The force said it was thought the money made from cars may have been sent to Zimbabwe to fund organise crime.

The seized vehicles, which are worth a total of £350,000, have been taken away to allow officers to carry out further inquiries into their histories.

Two men, aged 31 and 32, and a woman, aged 33, were arrested in Leeds on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

West Yorkshire Police said the investigation followed a pilot scheme in Leeds in which anyone arrested on suspicion of a crime such as theft was checked for evidence "they were living beyond their means".