THANKS to officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), working together with City of London Police, Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Regional Organised Crime Unit West Midlands (ROCUWM), four men have found themselves in custody after officers believe they’re involved in a scam to defraud the elderly and vulnerable.

NEROCU officers identified a number of victims who had been contacted online and, through friendship or romantic communications, had money stolen from them via fraud.

An operation was launched and following enquiries, officers teamed up with ROCU and police colleagues and carried out four warrants at addresses on Walsgrave Road in Coventry, Appleby Road in London, and Bushey Croft and Canons Brook in Harlow.

The warrants were executed earlier this week and resulted in the four men, aged 23, 30, 37 and 41 being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. They have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant James Woodcock, from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), said: “We have shown time and time again that we remain robust in pursuing those looking to exploit and defraud vulnerable victims.

“This crime type has a significant impact on victim’s emotional and economic health. I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation who has worked tirelessly to pursue these suspects – our work doesn’t stop here.”

DS Woodcock added: “If you have concerns or think you are a victim of fraud, report it to police or Report Fraud immediately.”

Anyone who has any information about criminal activity, can report it to their local police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.