3 arrested in dawn crackdown of suspected counterfeit notes production and circulation in Greater Manchester

Officers from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit have arrested 3 men this morning (Wednesday 4 October 2023) as part of Operation Notes, an operation tailored to target those suspected to be involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit currency in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

The operation - spearheaded by detectives from our Economic Crime Unit - saw a total of 20 officers from specialist teams within the unit, The National Crime Agency, Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police, embark to London to conduct the arrests. 

A total of three men, between 18 and 26, were arrested and taken into custody to be questioned on suspicion of Passing Counterfeit Currency and Fraud by False Representation.

Detectives began investigating the suspected counterfeit currency production and circulation in Greater Manchester and Cheshire earlier this year as information began to suggest that purchases were being made in high value stores across the North West.

Counterfeit Currency was being used to buy expensive designer goods and Detectives have shown a significant link between these offences across the country.  

Detective Inspector James Coles of our Economic Crime Unit, said: "We've taken a big step forward today in our investigation into what we believe to be a largescale counterfeit currency circle.

“Using, distributing and creating fake bank notes is illegal and it directly funds more serious and organised crime, by conducting these arrests with the help of our colleagues in the NCA and the Metropolitan Police, we are a step closer to making our streets a safer place.”

Anyone with information about suspicious financial activity can report it to us online, if able, or via 101 or online through gmp.police.uk.

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. 

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

For fraud prevention advice and to keep up to date with the Economic Crime Unit’s latest news - follow @gmpfraud on Twitter.