Five people have been arrested for 'involvement in serious organised crime' across Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and the North East of Scotland.

Officers say it comes after a six-figure sum was allegedly stolen from an elderly man in Aberdeen by a person posing as a member of his bank's fraud team in January.

An investigation was then carried out by officers from the North East Division's Cyber-Enabled Crime Team.

Following that, on Friday, April 19, detectives executed warrants at residential and business properties in Shawlands, East Kilbride, and Uddingston.

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During the searches, cops say they discovered Class A drugs - estimated to be worth over £1,000.

The force also says they recovered over £30,000 in cash during the operation.

Now, police say five people have been arrested and charged in connection with offences including high-value fraud, drugs offences, and involvement in serious organised crime across the North East, Lanarkshire, and Glasgow.

Two men, aged 21 and 48, were arrested and charged in connection with the alleged fraud.

Meanwhile, two men, aged 22 and 25, and a 44-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection with alleged drug offences.

All are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Monday, April 22).

A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

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Detective Sergeant Dave Williamson, of the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling cyber-enabled organised crime and this operation underlines our dedication to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Organised crime groups use technology to target victims, whom are often the most vulnerable people in our communities. These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled.

"If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork.

"If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.

“If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of cyber-enabled crime, the circumstances can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”