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Arrests made after British tax authorities raid Newcastle, West Ham

Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien Livepic

Several arrests were made after British tax authorities raided properties belonging to Newcastle United and West Ham.

An investigation into suspected tax and National Insurance fraud triggered raids at Newcastle's St James' Park, where managing director Lee Charnley was among the various people taken into custody, according to the Press Association.

West Ham's London Stadium was also targeted, as well as the Premier League team's training ground.

HM Revenue and Customs agents at the two sites are believed to have seized various items, such as computers, phones, and paperwork, during their investigation into £5 million of suspected income tax and National Insurance fraud.

In a statement, the revenue department, which also revealed similar raids in France, said: "HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected income tax and National Insurance fraud.

"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.

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

According to Sky Sports, the transfer of players between clubs in France and the United Kingdom could be part of the investigation.

A statement from West Ham said the club is cooperating with investigators, while Newcastle has yet to acknowledge the raid.

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