Four people have been arrested and approximately £80,000 cash seized by UK cyber-crime detectives investigating the suspected theft of £1 million from two UK banks
A Range Rover was also seized and a suspected live hand grenade removed from an address by specialist explosive officers, following raids in Enfield and Islington on Tuesday morning.
Detectives from the MPS's new Cyber Crime Unit (MPCCU) carried out the intelligence-led operation after being alerted that a number of bank customers had inadvertently downloaded malicious malware onto their computer by opening emails claiming to be from their bank.
A total of £1million was subsequently siphoned off from their bank accounts and transferred to a series of other accounts, to be laundered and withdrawn as cash. The operation follows an in-depth investigation with the assistance of several banks.
DCI Jason Tunn of the MPCCU says: "These arrests by the Met's Cyber Crime Unit follow an investigation into what we suspect is an international and organised crime targeting a number of bank customers in London and across the UK."
Two 31-year-old men, a 27-year-old woman and a 24-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to launder money, and possession of an explosive. The men are currently in custody at a central-London police station. The women have been bailed to return on a date early next year.