CHINESE takeaway Hotcha has gone into administration following an investigation into a £35 million money laundering operation.

Its Bournemouth branch is now closed and was one of those searched in a major customs operation.

A note on the door says the landlord has changed the locks and terminated the lease due to non-payment of rent.

The takeaway and delivery chain opened its Bournemouth branch in April this year and employed 15 staff.

At the time, co-founder and CEO James Liang said: “Our ambition is to become the first national Chinese takeaway chain in the UK and opening our latest store in Bournemouth is a natural step as we continue our rapid growth.”

But since then the chain has come under the spotlight and is at the centre of an HMRC money laundering investigation.

In a statement, the fast food chain confirmed that Moorfields have been appointed as adminstrators.

Last month, more than 80 customs officials searched three private properties and 12 business addresses including Bournemouth, Bristol, Yate, Exeter, Stroud, and Swindon.

Those arrested were interviewed by HMRC and released under investigation.

A spokesman for Moorfields said that more than 140 members of staff had been made redundant as a result of the firm’s decision to stop trading.

“The business had ceased trading prior to our appointment” the spokesman said.

“The staff have been made redundant and we are trying to see if there is anyone who is interested in buying the assets.

“We are looking for people to hopefully make an offer. We are looking for interest as we speak.”

The chain has a head office in Bristol, which acts as a warehouse, central kitchen and group administration function and is capable of supporting up to 75 outlets.

Moorfields is seeking a purchaser for all or some of the company’s assets, which consist of a portfolio of leasehold properties, commercial catering and office equipment and intellectual property, including website domain names and the Hotcha registered trademark.