By Adam Ellis
HM Revenue & Customs have raided the offices at St James' Park as part of an investigation into the club's transfer dealings.
Reports suggest that among a number of people arrested at Newcastle was the Magpies managing director Lee Charnley, while arrests were also made at West Ham United and at various locations in France.
The two clubs face a probe into allegations of income tax and national insurance fraud related to their transfer activity.
“HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud,” a HMRC statement read.
“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.”
The development comes less than 48 hours after Newcastle were celebrating a return to the Premier League at St James' Park with victory over Preston North End.
Newcastle United have yet to make a comment at this time.
