Three arrests made, including a father and son, in early morning warrants across the North West to tackle money laundering

Today (Thursday 7 September 2023), officers from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit with other specialist teams in the force, alongside support from Cheshire Police, RSPCA and the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit have worked together to execute four simultaneous warrants in Partington, Manchester and Lymm in Cheshire.

Two men, aged 17 and 43, a father and son, and a 69-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and possession of firearms. They remain in police custody for questioning.

A search of the properties revealed approximately £200k of illicit cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, two high value vehicles, three firearms, and a large quantity of high value items including 10 luxury watches.

A number of neglected animals were also rescued by RSPCA including eight puppies.

Detective Inspector James Coles of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “The partnership work today is invaluable to keeping the people of Greater Manchester safe, when we work together with other forces and law enforcement agencies, we are coming ever closer to removing this type of crime from our streets.

“This is great proactive policing work conducted by officers who have managed to remove suspected counterfeit cash from our streets.

“We recently launched Operation Notes, GMP’s dedicated response to tackling counterfeit currency, and although this may look like it is a victimless crime on the surface, counterfeit currency production and distribution is a serious offence and can promote organised violence.

“By seizing this cash today, officers have been able to put a dent in organised criminal networks to prevent the funds assisting further criminality within the community."