Three released following major money laundering operation

by Q Radio News

Two men and a woman arrested yesterday in connection with Northern Ireland's biggest money laundering investigation, have been released on bail.

Detectives say around £215 million was laundered during an eight year period from 2011. 

Fifteen properties were searched across Northern Ireland in Banbridge, Newry, Omagh, Belfast and Ballymena, resulting in the arrest of seven people. 

Yesterday, six men aged 33, 37, 39, 40, 50, 67 and a 32 year old woman were arrested during the two day operation.

The four men aged 33, 37, 39 and 40 were released on police bail. 

Meanwhile, today two men aged 50 and 67 and the 32-year-old woman were also released on bail pending further enquiries. 

A PSNI spokesperson says, "The 50 year old man arrested on Monday, and a 67 year old male and 32 year old woman arrested yesterday have all been released on police bail pending further inquiries into the ongoing investigation focusing on the international money laundering of approximately £215 million.

"Fifteen properties across Northern Ireland were searched and seven people arrested over the two day operation during one of the most significant live investigations into money laundering in the UK."

The investigation has been described as one of the most significant operations of its kind in the UK.