Police seen in grounds of Essex businessman's home during probe into suspected major organised crime group that saw 17 arrests this morning

POLICE investigating a major suspected organised crime group believed to be involved in financial crime and violence arrested 17 people following dawn raids at 24 properties in London and four other counties this morning.

Met Police officers were seen in the grounds of the Essex home of a wealthy businessman today as officers carried out a series of raids in connection with an organised probe across London and the Home Counties.

A Met Police van (pictured above) was seen parked in the long drive of the large rural home in the county for much of today.

More than 800 officers took part in the arrest operations in the early hours of this morning – Tuesday, 29 September 2026 – at addresses in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

Searches are ongoing at a number of the properties and there is expected to be an ongoing police presence for some days.

An officer taking part in the operation was stabbed in the leg while carrying out a warrant at an address in Cockfosters, Barnet.

He was treated at the scene by colleagues and paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were thankfully assessed as non-life changing.

The Met said it would ensure he gets all the support he needs.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "This morning’s arrests are the product of many months of intense investigation by specialist Met detectives working alongside His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Officers from HMRC and the FCA are supporting with the searches.

"As part of the wider operation, the FCA has disrupted seven firms and is actively pursuing a further 30.

“These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation. Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending.

“We know the impact of serious and organised crime stretches well beyond those at senior levels of the organisations involved. Lines can often be drawn from the top, all the way to those involved in the criminality that blights communities, including serious violence and exploitation.

“Investigating these groups is among the most complex work the Met undertakes. It requires a significant investment of time and money and the expertise not just of specialist police officers but of colleagues from partner organisations like HMRC and the FCA.

“We hope these arrests show how determined we are to ensure organised crime groups cannot operate freely in London. We will work tirelessly to identify them, to gather evidence and to take action.”

A Financial Conduct Authority spokesperson said: “Tackling financial crime requires the type of partnership shown by today’s joint action and the many months of close cooperation leading to it.

“We’ll continue to work with the police and others to identify and disrupt organised crime groups who abuse our financial system to launder dirty money.”

An HMRC spokesperson said: "Today’s action highlights the importance of close collaboration between HMRC and other law enforcement partners in tackling serious and organised crime, including suspected money laundering and other criminal activity."

Both images are copyright Essex News and Investigations.

Those arrested today include:

A 56-year-old man, arrested in Cockfosters, Barnet, on suspicion of GBH (in relation to the stabbing of the police officer), participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, cheating the public revenue (tax evasion), false accounting and failure to disclose suspicion of money laundering.

A 64-year-old man arrested in South Cambridgeshire District on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering and failure to disclose suspicion of money laundering.

A 56-year-old man arrested in Upton Park, Newham, east London, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, false accounting and cheating the public revenue (tax evasion).

A 47-year-old man, 31-year-old man, both arrested in Forest Gate, Newham, and a 30-year-old man arrested in Upton Park, Newham, all on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, false accounting, cheating the public revenue (tax evasion) and contravening Regulation 86 of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017.

A 26-year-old man arrested in Canary Wharf, Tower Hamlets, east London, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, cheating the public revenue (tax evasion) and false accounting.

A 49-year-old man arrested in Ongar, Essex, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

A 47-year-old man arrested in Brentwood District, Essex, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group and conspiracy to commit GBH.

A 37-year-old man arrested in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group and conspiracy to commit GBH.

A 43-year-old man arrested in Welwyn Hatfield District, Hertfordshire, on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group and money laundering.

A 41-year-old woman arrested in Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, east London, on suspicion of money laundering and cheating the public revenue (tax evasion).

A 39-year-old man arrested in Mile End, Tower Hamlets, on suspicion of money laundering.

A 38-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

A 39-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of money laundering and cheating the public revenue (tax evasion).

A 65-year-old man arrested in Essex on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, conspiracy to commit GBH, money laundering and cheating the public revenue (tax evasion).

A 31-year-old woman arrested in Essex on suspicion of conspiracy to commit GBH and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.