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Revolut is facing a backlash from scores of customers locked out of their accounts as part of the cash app’s anti-money laundering drive.

The UK’s fastest-growing financial technology company has received a string of complaints in the past fortnight from users saying that Revolut has suddenly prevented them from getting their money, without explaining why.

Revolut, founded by former investment banker Nikolay Storonsky, 34, notified the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Financial Conduct Authority earlier this year that it had discovered suspected money-laundering on its digital payments system.

Companies are only obliged to report suspicious activity to the NCA. However, the City watchdog expects to be told if the problem is particularly significant. According to messages seen by The Sunday Times, Revolut has now asked blocked customers to submit payslips and P60 forms — reflecting its concerns about money-laundering.

However, the customers, many of whom are on holiday and using the app for foreign exchange, say they are innocent victims of Revolut’s crackdown.

Critics believe the problem has been caused by deficiencies in its KYC — Know Your Customer — controls, meaning it is flagging the wrong users. This is denied by the company, which uses an algorithm to build customer profiles and spot suspicious activity.

One customer, who has been locked out of his account for nine days, has made a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman.

Revolut refused to say how many had been affected, but said it was looking into its customer communications.

The problem comes amid concerns over Revolut’s push for rapid growth. It has 2.5m users globally and expects to have 3m by October.

Revolut is hiring its third head of compliance in 18 months. Recruitment is in the final stages, but it is believed that no offer has yet been made to any candidates.

In April, the company, which launched in 2015 with a pre-paid foreign exchange card, became the first UK fintech “unicorn” after it was valued at $1.7bn (£1.3bn).

It is applying for a banking licence in Lithuania and is planning to apply in the UK, too.