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Chelsea visited by HMRC officers following West Ham and Newcastle tax-fraud raids
CHELSEA were visited by HM Revenue and Customs officers this morning as part of their investigation into suspected fraud.
Chelsea are cooperating with the HMRC investigation
HMRC have been investigating income tax and National Insurance fraud involving West Ham and Newcastle.
They revealed in a statement this morning that 180 officers had been deployed across the UK and France to arrest individuals and search premises.
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has been arrested while West Ham's London Stadium was raided by authorities.
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has been arrested
And it has been revealed HMRC officials also visited Chelsea this morning to request information, but no items were taken.
There is no allegation of wrongdoing against the Blues.
A Chelsea spokesman said: "In connection with its wider investigation, HMRC has requested certain information which the club will provide."
HMRC's statement 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.”