Police have raided addresses in Brent in connection with a plot to take control of a bank’s computer and steal millions of pounds.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU) have arrested 12 men, aged between 23 and 50, after searching homes in the borough and several in Westminster, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond and Slough, yesterday.

They seized property at the addresses and all 12 are being questioned about a potential cyber fraud in which a device would be fitted to a computer in a branch of Santander in Surrey Quays shopping centre.

This would allow fraudsters to take control of the bank computers remotely.

Detective Inspector Mark Raymond, of the PCeU, said: “This was a sophisticated plot that could have led to the loss of a very large amount of money from the bank, and is the most significant case of this kind that we have come across.

“I would like to thank our partners from the industry who have provided valuable assistance throughout this investigation.

“The PCeU is committed to tackling cyber-crime and the damage it can cause to individuals, organisations and the wider economy.”

All are being held in custody at a police station in London.