Three men have been arrested in a major investigation into counterfeit ID documents.

The men, aged 33, 36 and 37 were detained on suspicion of Identity Documents Act offences on Tuesday after National Crime Agency officers witnessed what they suspected to be a handover in the Hackney.

An envelope containing a number of documents was recovered from the scene and officers then searched the men’s homes.

At the address of the 37-year-old suspected false documents were recovered as well as what is believed to be a sophisticated document factory, including computers, printers and other equipment used in the manufacture of counterfeits. Around £15,000 cash was also seized.

NCA’s Mark McCormack said: “These documents are a key enabler of criminality. They can be used to help people gain work or services illegally, or potentially open bank accounts for money laundering.”

The 33-year-old has been released under investigation, but the other two men are in custody.