A Woolwich man has been arrested after a woman in her 50s was conned out of £100,000 in a romance scam. 

The 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering last Wednesday (February 28) and his phones and a laptop were seized. 

“This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into romance fraud where a woman in her 50s has had more than £100k stolen over a period of around ten years,” said Detective Inspector Marc Milliner from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). 

“We know that romance fraudsters operate as organised crime groups and often pass on victims’ details to other members to target, so it is possible there are more offenders responsible for her fraud. 

“Our focus now is on analysing the devices seized from our suspect and identifying any other offenders he may have been working with.” 

The man has been released on police bail while the investigation continues. 

Police have urged anyone who is concerned about romance fraud to seek advice on the Action Fraud website.