West Ham and Newcastle raided by HMRC as they investigate the clubs’ transfer dealings

Newcastle’s managing director, Lee Charnley, has also been arrested.

Newcastle United and West Ham have been raided by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs after an investigation into the transfer dealings of both clubs.

Both St James’ Park and the London Stadium were the subject of warrants, and Newcastle’s managing director, Lee Charnley, has been arrested.

Sky Sports have reported that the police visited both clubs this morning.

BREAKING: NUFC managing director Lee Charnley arrested after HMRC investigation into transfer activity. More to follow @MailSport

— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) April 26, 2017

Earlier this week, Newcastle secured promotion to the Premier League following their resounding win against Preston.

As reported by The Independent, the HMRC have said that they’ve 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.”

It adds: “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.

George Caulkin, North East football journalist for The Times, states that Newcastle United are expected to make a statement shortly.

https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/857147569612500993