Four people were arrested on 21 September after Greater Manchester Police raided an illegal gambling operation in the city centre, seizing more than £20,000 in cash, mobile phones, and gambling-related equipment.

Only one man was detained on suspicion of breaching the Gambling Act and money laundering, while the three others were arrested for licensing and immigration offences, with the Gambling Commission supporting officers during the raid.

“Our priority is to respond to the needs of our communities and ensuring those involved in criminality are brought to justice,” said PC Nial Vivian, of the Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team. “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. This was a good team effort involving Neighbourhood Policing officers and our partners at the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council Licensing Team.”

Vivian added that the arrests followed intelligence gathered during a similar raid in May, using information obtained from mobile phones seized at the time. “We will continue to build on the intelligence and take further action where appropriate.”

Stepping aside from intelligence, the Commission played a small role in the latest raid. Sue Young, Gambling Commission Executive Director of Operations, chimed in with their response to the latest raid: “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.”