Greater Manchester Police have seized more than £20,000 in cash and arrested four people during a late-night operation targeting illegal gambling activities in central Manchester. The enforcement efforts included executing four search warrants across Deansgate and nearby areas on Monday night.
Two men were apprehended, facing separate charges. The first suspect was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and for offering gambling services without a license in violation of the Gambling Act 2005. The second man was taken into custody for failure to comply with the licensing requirements for late-night takeaway establishments.
Additionally, two other individuals were arrested due to immigration-related issues. All four suspects are currently in custody as investigations proceed.
During the raids, authorities confiscated mobile phones, gambling equipment, records, and account books. The cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, linking it to suspected money laundering operations.
PC Nial Vivian from Manchester’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team remarked on the initiative, stating, "This work specifically targets reports of illegal gambling and premises operating without the appropriate licenses. This was a good team effort involving Neighbourhood Policing officers and our partners at the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council Licensing Team."
The operation followed insights gained from a previous gambling investigation in May 2024. Information retrieved from mobile phones seized during that earlier operation played a crucial role in this latest crackdown.
Sue Young, the executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, emphasized the dangers of unlicensed gambling, noting that these operators often have ties to broader criminal activities, exploit vulnerable individuals, and undermine businesses that operate legally. She expressed the Commission's commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to combat illegal operations.
