Wealthy investors seeking a fast-track route to settlement in the UK are to face new restrictions under a Home Office crackdown on money laundering.

The scheme, which is particularly popular among Russian and Chinese nationals, requires an investment of ￡2m in return for a five-year track to permanent residence, while those paying ￡5m wait only three years, and investors of ￡10m can apply after two years. The investments can be made in gilts, government bonds, or UK companies. About 1,000 such visas were issued in 2017.