Detectives from the Royal Gibraltar Police Economic Crime Unit (ECU) have charged two local residents following separate investigations into fraud and money laundering offences.

A statement from the RGP follows below:

In the first investigation, 46 year old local resident Charine GOMEZ, of Mid-Harbour Estate was charged following an investigation into unauthorised refunds that had been processed through a local establishment's Point of Sale system, with the amounts exceeding £8,000. A portion of these funds was allegedly transferred to her personal bank account.

GOMEZ was charged as follows:

• One count of Fraud by Abuse of Position

• One count of Possession of Criminal Property

• One count of Use of Criminal Property

• One count of Transferring Proceeds of Criminal Conduct

In the second investigation, 58 year old local resident Andrew MASTER, of Tarik Views was charged following a complex investigation launched into reports of suspected fraud and money laundering involving more than £82,000.

MASTER was charged as follows:

• Six counts of Fraud by False Representation

• Two counts of Acquisition, Possession, or Use of Criminal Property

Both defendants will appear before the Magistrates' Court this morning