Eight people have been arrested by Kent Police in relation to a fraud investigation involving donations intended for aid in Syria.

An ongoing investigation is taking place into the fraudulent use of funds from four UK charities, a Kent Police spokesman said. Neither the police nor the Charity Commission would confirm which charities are involved in the investigation.

Some £40,000 in cash in three currencies (£36,066, €1,400 and $10,600) was confiscated on 23 December 2012 at the port of Dover from men believed to be travelling out of the country on behalf of charities.

Two men aged 30 and 39 from Derby, a 36 year old man from Harlow, two men aged 29 and 37 from east London, a 31 year old man from south east London, a 35 year old man from Dewsbury and a 43 year old man from Huddersfield are all are being questioned at police stations around the country.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Hogben of Kent Police said: “We are working with our partners around the country to ensure money intended to help those in need in Syria is not used for criminal activity or in the terrorist arena.  It is imperative that the public has confidence in the charities they support and in the money they are donating being used for the purpose it is intended.”