Earlier today, news broke that a man was being questioned in south London after he’d been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences. Since then, Huffington Post UK reported that the police raided a total of six addresses as they continue their criminal investigation into individuals associated with SPAC nation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mick Gallagher of the Met’s central specialist crime team said: “On Thursday, officers carried out a series of warrants at the following locations: Ashburton Road, CR0; The Mount, CR5; Hayes Street, BR2; The Glade, CR0; Limpsfield Avenue, CR7; Chaffinch Avenue, CR0.
He added: “This activity forms part of an investigation into allegations made against individuals who are currently, or have previously been, linked to SPAC Nation.”
He went on to explain: “As part of this investigation, officers from the Met’s safeguarding teams have also visited a number of venues over the past few weeks. No safeguarding issues were identified as a result of these visits. While we do not provide a running commentary on ongoing investigations, I know there will be concern about the impact this activity may have on those who regularly engage with the services of the church.”
The police launched their investigation into the church last year after they were made aware of fraud and other offences. Following a review, the force announced that they would not be launching an investigation.
However, in February 2020, the Met received new allegations of a similar nature. Once the new allegations were reviewed, a criminal investigation was subsequently launched.
While the church continuously has denied any wrongdoing, they’ve previously distanced themselves from the actions of their pastors claiming “a community with hundreds of pastors cannot monitor what each pastor or leader does.”