Detectives involved in a $7.8m international fraud probe have arrested four people.

North Wales Police confirmed that three men and a woman had been arrested and interviewed in connection with a plot to target a London-based pharmaceutical investment company and a US-based investment company.

The development comes after former North Wales garage boss Michael Kinane was jailed for seven years and four months for his involvement in the plot.

The fraud was uncovered by the FBI and North Wales Police.

Today, North Wales Police said a 27-year-old man was arrested in Hatfield, Herefordshire, on Saturday, July 11.

They said he was interviewed in Caernarfon before being released under investigation pending further enquiries.

On Tuesday, July 21, detectives from North Wales, supported by Metropolitan Police, conducted a warrant under Section 9 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act at a residential address in Edgware, London.

A 35-year-old woman was arrested, interviewed and subsequently released under investigation.

The following day, a 30-year-old man was interviewed voluntarily under caution at Wood Green Police Station in London by detectives from North Wales.

On Thursday, July 23, detectives from North Wales, supported by officers from Bedfordshire Police, conducted another warrant under Section 9 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act at a residential address in Bedford and a 40-year-old man was arrested.

He was also interviewed and released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Arwel Hughes of North Wales Police said: “Since November 2018, we have been investigating a business email compromise fraud which resulted in a loss of $7.8m to a US company.

“This international investigation, involving enquiries with law enforcement agencies worldwide, has made significant progress resulting in these recent arrests.

“I want to make it clear, irrespective of where the remaining suspects are in the world, we are making enquiries to trace you. If you commit serious crime in North Wales, we will target you.

“Our message is clear - there is no hiding place.”