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Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley released following arrest

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Keith Downie with the latest from St James' Park following the raid by HMRC officers

Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley has been released following his arrest on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into suspected tax and National Insurance fraud.

HM Revenue and Customs officers were deployed at 6.30am in raids on the training ground and main offices of Newcastle United at St James' Park, and the London Stadium, home of West Ham.

HMRC officers also carried out raids at West Ham's training ground in Rush Green, near Romford.

A number of arrests were made related to £5m of suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud, with Charnley among them but he was released by tax officers shortly before 6pm on Wednesday, according to Sky sources.

A statement from the club said: "Newcastle United can confirm that a member of its staff has this morning been assisting HMRC with their inquiries."

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley (right) in discussion with managing director Lee Charnley
Image: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley (right) in discussion with Lee Charnley

The raids are understood to be part of a wider HMRC investigation into the transfer of players between clubs in France and the UK.

It is thought their focus has been on remuneration in terms of image rights, benefits in kind and payments to agents, which may have defrauded the public purse.

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French authorities also conducted a number of co-ordinated raids in France, involving 32 police officers and two magistrates, which resulted in four arrests.

A statement from HMRC read: "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.

"This criminal investigation sends a clear message that, whoever you are, if you commit tax fraud you can expect to face the consequences. As this is an ongoing investigation HMRC is unable to provide any further detail at this time."

A West Ham United spokesperson said, "The club is cooperating fully with HMRC to assist their enquiries. No further comment will be made at this time."

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