Three men have been arrested by police and customs officials investigating a £12m tobacco fraud.

The men, who were all from Nazeing and aged 42, 44 and 71, were held on Tuesday morning on suspicion of fraudulently avoiding excise duty under the Custom and Excise Management Act 1979.

They were arrested as part of an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into a serious tobacco fraud.

A spokeswoman for HMRC said she could not give any more details until the investigation is complete.

Assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC, Peter Millroy, said: “Our activity sends out a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality.

“Any attempt to import, distribute or sell UK duty free tobacco goods is treated extremely seriously and we will relentlessly pursue those believed to be involved.

“Anyone with information about the transport, storage or sale of cheap cigarettes or tobacco can help us by calling the customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

The men were interviewed by HMRC and have been released on bail until April 27.