Greater Manchester Police executed an operation targeting an illegal gambling operation in the city center, leading to multiple arrests and the confiscation of over £20,000 ($26,470) in cash. This action unfolded overnight on Monday, involving the execution of four search warrants in Deansgate and nearby areas.
During the raids, four individuals were apprehended. Of these, two men faced separate allegations—one was arrested for suspicion of money laundering as well as violating the Gambling Act by operating unlicensed gambling facilities, while the other was taken in for licensing violations related to running a late-night takeaway without proper authorization. Additionally, two women were detained under suspicion of immigration offenses. All four remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
This enforcement initiative was prompted by intelligence gathered during an earlier gambling investigation in May 2024. This included evidence obtained from mobile phones seized during that operation.
In the latest raids, officers also confiscated mobile devices, gambling tables, detailed records, and account books. The seized cash, exceeding £20,000, is suspected to be laundered money and was confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act. A recent assessment by the Gambling Commission highlighted a notable increase in illegal gambling, particularly concerning unregulated casinos that often accept cryptocurrencies without oversight.
These illicit establishments frequently act as channels for organized crime, enabling both the generation of illicit profits and money laundering activities. To combat this, the UK government has allocated £26 million over three years to empower the Gambling Commission to intensify actions against illegal gambling.
PC Nial Vivian from Manchester's City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasized the targeted nature of this operation, stating, "This work specifically targets reports of illegal gambling and premises operating without the appropriate licenses." He acknowledged the teamwork among Neighbourhood Policing officers, the Gambling Commission, and Manchester City Council Licensing Team, noting that such collaboration would enhance intelligence gathering.
Sue Young, the executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, addressed the concerns surrounding unlicensed gambling operations, stating, "Unlicensed operators often have links to wider criminal activity, exploit vulnerable people and undermine legitimate regulated businesses." Young reaffirmed the Commission's dedication to cooperating with police forces to disrupt these illegal gambling venues and expressed their eagerness to work together to diminish these operations.
This recent raid follows a similar enforcement action in June this year, where Manchester Police and the Gambling Commission again joined forces. In that instance, a 33‐year‐old man and a 66‐year‐old woman were detained on suspicions related to the Gambling Act 2005 and the Licensing Act 2003, with authorities discovering gambling tables, chips, records, account books, and alcohol at the premises.
Meanwhile, just outside Manchester, South Yorkshire police seized over £110,000 in cash and a significant amount of gold during coordinated raids against illegal gambling operations in Sheffield and Doncaster.
