Greater Manchester Police recovered cash in excess of £20,000 and took four individuals into custody during the enforcement operation aimed at cracking down on illegal gambling in the heart of Manchester city.
The enforcement operations were conducted during the night and involved the execution of four search warrants in Deansgate and surrounding areas on Monday night.
The police apprehended two men based on distinct charges against them. The first was arrested on suspicion of being involved in money laundering activities and offering gambling services without license under the Gambling Act 2005. The second arrest involved the man being taken into custody for acting in a non-compliant manner with licenses for late-night take-away businesses.
Two other arrests were made on the grounds of immigration issues. All four suspects were held in custody for investigations to run their course.
The police confiscated mobile phones, gambling equipment, records, and account books as part of their raids. In addition to the cash taken, the police said that the cash was taken based on the Proceeds of Crime Act on the grounds that it was obtained through money laundering activities.
PC Nial Vivian of Manchester’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
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.
The operation was carried out after taking insights from a previous gambling operation in May 2024. Material recovered from mobile phones seized during that investigation contributed to the latest action.
Gambling Commission executive director of operations Sue Young said:
Unlicensed operators often have links to wider criminal activity, exploit vulnerable people and undermine legitimate regulated businesses. And that is why we are always keen to work in partnership with the police to crack down on illegal operations.
