Dodgy box raids led to 1,000 probes; POLICE.Byline: By JON CLEMENTS A YEAR-LONG investigation into suspicious safety deposit boxes has netted millions of pounds in cash, weapons and drugs and led to 40 arrests. In a major blow to organised crime, police raids on three centres in London netted pounds 35million. They also found gold, child pornography Child pornography is the visual representation of minors under the age of 18 engaged in sexual activity or the visual representation of minors engaging in lewd or erotic behavior designed to arouse the viewer's sexual interest. , fake passports, illegal ivory and firearms. Det Ch Insp Mark Ponting said more than 3,500 boxes had been searched during co-ordinated raids by armed police in June last year. Safe Deposit Centres Ltd premises in Edgware, Park Lane and Hampstead were at the centre of the probe, which led to more than 1,000 "spinoff" investigations. Three men have been jailed, police said. Detectives are still investigating a box that contained a hammer, a chisel and a pipe wrench. "There is clearly a story behind these items," said Insp Ponting. He said 700 box holders were currently being investigated for tax evasion The process whereby a person, through commission of Fraud, unlawfully pays less tax than the law mandates. Tax evasion is a criminal offense under federal and state statutes. A person who is convicted is subject to a prison sentence, a fine, or both. . CAPTION(S): STASH stash Drug slang noun A place where illicit drugs are hidden Cash found in swoop |
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