VAT fraud inquiry: Arrests in Swadlincote and Tamworth
Customs officers have arrested three people on suspicion of attempting to steal almost £2m in false tax claims.
A Tamworth, Staffordshire man, 48, and a 29-year-old man and 31-year-old woman from Swadlincote, Derbyshire were detained in early morning raids.
The arrests follow an inquiry into false claims for VAT repayment related to the sale of large screen electronic advertising space.
The three people were being questioned at local police stations.
A HM Revenue & Customs spokesman said the arrests were "a result of our investigation to disrupt and prevent what is believed to be a major fraud".