Four people have been arrested and more than £20,000 in cash has been seized following a series of raids targeting suspected illegal gambling activity in Manchester city centre.
The operation involved the Gambling Commission, Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team and Greater Manchester Police. Officers carried out searches at four properties on Monday night as part of a coordinated enforcement operation.
Alongside the cash, officers recovered mobile phones and gambling-related materials, including gambling tables, records and account books. The money was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Four people arrested during operation
The four arrests related to different suspected offences. Two women were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences. One man was arrested on suspicion of operating a late-night takeaway without a licence, while another man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and breaches of the Gambling Act.
The authorities also recovered materials linked to gambling activity during the searches. These included tables used for gambling and records and account books that officers identified during the operation.
The simultaneous searches involved four warrants and were supported by intelligence gathered by the participating authorities.
Gambling Commission works with police
The Gambling Commission supported Greater Manchester Police alongside Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team.
Sue Young, Executive Director of Operations at the Gambling Commission, said unlicensed gambling operations can have connections with wider criminal activity and may expose vulnerable people to risk. She also said illegal operators undermine legitimate businesses operating within the regulated market.
Young highlighted the importance of working with police forces to address suspected illegal gambling operations.
The Manchester operation forms part of that joint enforcement approach, bringing together regulatory, licensing and policing resources.
Greater Manchester Police highlights intelligence work
PC Nial Vivian of the Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said the operation was focused on reports of illegal gambling and premises operating without the necessary licences.
According to Vivian, the four simultaneous warrants produced four arrests, the recovery of a significant amount of cash and gambling-related items, as well as further intelligence opportunities.
He described the operation as a joint effort involving neighbourhood policing officers, the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team.
Greater Manchester Police said it would continue working with partners to address illegal gambling and associated criminal activity.
Investigation continues after raids
The raids resulted in the recovery of more than £20,000 in cash and a range of materials connected to gambling activity. The four arrests covered suspected immigration, licensing, money laundering and Gambling Act offences.
The operation also generated additional intelligence for the authorities, which could support further enforcement activity.
The Gambling Commission and police continue to work together on cases involving gambling businesses and premises operating outside the appropriate licensing framework. The Manchester raids demonstrate the role of coordinated enforcement operations in investigating suspected illegal gambling activity.
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