Early morning raids in France as 180 HMRC officers probe British tax fraud investigations

EARLY morning raids have been carried out across France as 180 HMRC officers crack down on tax fraud investigations.

French police are assisting with the UK investigation which has seen officers swoop on both Newcastle and West Ham.

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Senior figures in France have reportedly been arrested alongside Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley.

A statement read: "180 HMRC officers have been deployed across the UK and France today.

"Investigators have searched a number of premises in the North East and South East of England and arrested the men and also seized business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones.

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“The French authorities are assisting the UK investigation, have made arrests and several locations have been searched in France.

“HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud."

During the 2012/13 season, six of Newcastle's nine signings were all made from French sides.

St James' Park and the London Stadium were two locations in the UK that were targeted with officers up at 4am to begin the operation.

More to follow...