Two arrested in dawn raids tackling money laundering in Greater Manchester

Earlier this morning (Tuesday 16 May 2023), officers from GMP's Money Laundering team, part of the Economic Crime Unit, carried out a series of coordinated warrants on three properties and a commercial premises in Cheetham Hill and Prestwich as part of an operation to tackle money laundering in Greater Manchester.

Today’s arrests are part of a lengthy, and intelligence led operation to disrupt and dismantle suspected organised  criminal finances.

Two men, aged 50 and 48 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and being concerned in the production of cannabis, they remain in custody for questioning.

During the warrants, a large amount of cash, high value items and jewellery along with a Bentley were seized, and suspected counterfeit vapes and nitrous oxide cannisters also seized from the commercial premises.

 

Police dog Rodney, one of our many police dogs who are specially trained to find concealed money was brought in to check the premises for hidden cash.

Detective Inspector James Coles, from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “The action seen today was part of a complex investigation conducted by our Money Laundering Team.

"This excellent result will significantly disrupt this kind of activity that lines the pockets of organised crime groups.

"We are determined to ensure that anyone found to be responsible for obtaining finance through criminal means will be brought to justice and have anything of value in their name seized.

“Operations like this are always complex, but we have a commitment to working with partner agencies and utilising all powers available to us to seize the assets of suspects. We hope the arrests today sends a message to anyone engaged in this activity to expect a robust response from us."

Anyone with information about suspicious financial activity can report it to us online through our online crime reporting form, or by calling 101.

You can also report via our Live Chat service on our website: www.gmp.police.uk 

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.