THREE men have been arrested as part of a police investigation into the attempted illicit sale of Covid-19 vaccines and misuse of Covid-19 business relief funds.

The men, aged 38, 34 and 26, were arrested by officers undertaking warrants at addresses in Hertford, Buntingford and Harlow on Wednesday morning (September 1) and were taken into custody for questioning. A number of properties were searched.

The investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) relates to suspected unlawful marketing of vaccines. Officers are also following lines of enquiry into potential misuse of Covid-19 relief loans provided to at least three Hertfordshire-based companies.

Det Insp Rob Burns, from ERSOU’s economic crime unit, said: “It’s vital that all money handed out through Government support schemes during the pandemic was – and continues to be – used appropriately, and law enforcement will investigate when this is not the case.

“These arrests are part of an ongoing ERSOU investigation into fraud linked to the pandemic and our officers continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry.

“The public should be assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure that those inappropriately using funds intended to assist businesses during an incredibly challenging period are put before the courts.”