A Bradford man appeared in Court today in connection with a fraud investigation following the theft of £500,000 from First Direct Bank.

Mark Kerr, 48, was arrested on Thursday after officers in West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit executed a search warrant at an address in Gain Lane, Thornbury.

Police seized cocaine and amphetamines, with an estimated street value of £100,000, along with 50,000 cigarettes, from the address.

Kerr appeared before Leeds magistrates today, charged with conspiracy to money launder, money laundering and conspiracy to defraud.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court next Friday.

A 40-year-old Bradford man was also arrested at the Gain Lane address on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender and drugs offences.

He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Eight people were sentenced last month in connection with the fraud investigation.

Richard Crawford, 41, of Leeds, was sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud, money laundering and fraud by a person in a position of trust.

Kevin Tempest, 40, and Gareth Seller, 24, both of Tadcaster, and Aaron Kerr, 22, of Kent, were jailed for two years after pleading guilty to money laundering.

Three Leeds men, aged 21, 22 and 24, and a 32-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman from Kent, were given suspended prison sentences and ordered to carry out 200 hours community service after pleading guilty to money laundering.

A 25-year-old Kent man has pleaded guilty to money laundering and awaits sentencing.

A 24-year-old Leeds woman has been charged with money laundering and is due to appear before Leeds Crown Court at a later date.

Anyone who suspects people are living off the proceeds of crime within local communities, should ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or visit whyshouldthey.com.