Greater Manchester Police recently confiscated over £20,000 in cash and arrested four people during a crackdown on illegal gambling activities in Manchester city center. The enforcement actions, carried out on Monday night, involved executing four search warrants in Deansgate and nearby areas.
During the operation, police arrested two men on separate charges. One was taken into custody on suspicion of money laundering and operating unlicensed gambling services under the Gambling Act 2005. The second suspect was arrested for failing to comply with licensing regulations applicable to late-night takeaway businesses.
Two other individuals were detained for immigration-related matters. All four suspects are currently under investigation.
Authorities seized mobile phones, gambling equipment, various records, and account books along with the cash, stating that these funds were confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act due to their suspected origin in money laundering activities.
PC Nial Vivian, a member of Manchester’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, stated, "This work specifically targets reports of illegal gambling and premises operating without the appropriate licences. This was a good team effort involving Neighbourhood Policing officers and our partners at the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council Licensing Team."
This operation was informed by insights gained from a previous gambling crackdown in May 2024, where material seized from mobile phones played a crucial role in the latest enforcement actions.
Sue Young, executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, noted that unlicensed operators often engage in broader criminal activities, exploit vulnerable individuals, and undermine legitimate businesses. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with police to address illegal gambling.
