Four arrests and £20,000 seized in illegal gambling raids

The Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team supported Greater Manchester Police during raids on four properties this week.

Officers seized mobile phones and gambling-related items including gambling tables, records and account books as part of the operation in Manchester City Centre on Monday night. More that £20,000 in cash was also recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Four people were arrested – two women were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, one man was arrested on suspicion of running a late-night takeaway without a licence, and one man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and breaching the Gambling Act.

Sue Young, Gambling Commission Executive Director of Operations, 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 police to crack down on illegal operations.”

PC Nial Vivian, of Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“Our priority is to respond to the needs of our communities and ensuring those involved in criminality are brought to justice.

“This work specifically targets reports of illegal gambling and premises operating without the appropriate licences.

“This joint approach demonstrates our continued ability to problem solve within the city and the intelligence gathering and execution of four simultaneous warrants have led to these results.

“Four arrests were made, a significant amount of cash and further gambling-related items were recovered and further intelligence opportunities have been identified.

“This was a good team effort involving Neighbourhood Policing officers and our partners at the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council Licensing Team.

“As a force, we are working hard with our partners towards being at the forefront of tackling illegal gambling and associated organised criminality. We will continue to build on the intelligence and take further action where appropriate.”