A Bentley, jewellery and luxury goods have all been seized by cops in a crackdown on money laundering in Greater Manchester. Two arrests have been made following dawn raids in Cheetham Hill and Prestwich this morning (May 16).
Greater Manchester Police says its Money Laundering Team executed coordinated warrants on three properties and commercial premises. The swoop is part of a lengthy, intelligence-led operation to disrupt and dismantle suspected organised criminal finances, GMP says.
Two men, aged 50 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and being concerned in the production of cannabis. They remain in custody for questioning this evening.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
During the raids, officers also seized a large amount of cash and high-value items, while suspected counterfeit vapes and nitrous oxide cannisters were collected from commercial premises. Police dog Rodney, one of the force's dogs that have been specially trained to find hidden money, was also called into action.
Detective Inspector James Coles, from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “The action seen today was part of a complex investigation conducted by our Money Laundering Team. This excellent result will significantly disrupt this kind of activity that lines the pockets of organised crime groups.
"We are determined to ensure that anyone found to be responsible for obtaining finance through criminal means will be brought to justice and have anything of value in their name seized. Operations like this are always complex, but we have a commitment to working with partner agencies and utilising all powers available to us to seize the assets of suspects.
"We hope the arrests today sends a message to anyone engaged in this activity to expect a robust response from us." Anyone with information about suspicious financial activity can report it to GMP online or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
READ NEXT:
