TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud following an investigation into the suspected supply of fraudulent MOT certificates.

Officers attended ACP Motors in Dodsworth Street, Darlington, on Friday, September 14 and two residential properties on Huxley Grove and High Northgate.

Two men, aged 41 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

A 38-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of fraud.

They have all since been released under investigation.

The joint investigation between Durham Constabulary and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) began in April.

As part of the investigation, officers also executed a warrant at a compound on Forge Way, in Darlington, on Monday together with the fire service and Environment Agency.

Around £40,000 worth of suspected stolen goods, including vehicles and plant machinery, were seized.

Six men and one woman, aged between 25 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to steal motor vehicles and released under investigation.

PC Jonathan Keenan, from Darlington CID, said: “This is a multi-agency investigation into suspected fraud and suspected stolen vehicles which we have been working on for a number of months.

“We take all reports of this type of offence extremely seriously, and will take the appropriate action when we are alerted to such offences.”

DVSA Enforcement Delivery Manager, Tracey Hall, said: “MOT fraud is a serious offence and is dealt with accordingly. We have stringent measures in place to detect fraudulent activity and will work closely with the police to bring any offenders to justice.”

l ACP Motors has been suspended as an MOT testing centre.