Dawn crackdown on suspected money launderers across Greater Manchester

Six people suspected of being part of an organised crime group involved in a large-scale drugs supply and money laundering conspiracy have been arrested.

This morning (Thursday 29 February) specialist detectives from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group and Economic Crime Unit, supported by district resources and colleagues from neighbouring forces, executed thirteen simultaneous warrants at properties and residences across Bury, Bolton, Salford, and Rossendale.

Three women aged between 35 to 40, and three men aged between 38 to 41, have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering. They remain in police custody for questioning.

A 38-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

At a house in Bury, police seized around £10,000 cash, luxury jewellery, and two air rifles. Several more high value items including jewellery and clothes have been seized from across the properties raided today.

This operation is the latest in a series of interventions by GMP specialist Economic Crime Unit, who over the last financial year, have forfeitted almost £14 million cash and criminal assets.

Detective Inspector Sarah Langley from GMP Economic Crime Unit said: “People are becoming increasingly creative in how they launder money made from illicit enterprises, and that’s why we have teams of specialist detectives whose job it is to stay one step ahead of them.

“This morning we’ve recovered significant amounts of money and discovered items that we believe has been acquired through the proceeds of crime.

“Money laundering costs the UK economy and taxpayers billions of pounds, with the illicit finance often being used to fund other forms of serious organised crime. Our team will continue to target those suspected to be involved, and we will seize their criminal assets and cash so that they can be reinvested into the communities of Greater Manchester who deserve it.”