Police carried out a series of raids in Greater Manchester, seizing over £180,000 worth of jewellery, watches, vehicles, and £50,000 in cash. These actions were part of an extensive crackdown on organised crime that took place on Thursday, October 3.

The operation, led by units focusing on serious organised crime and economic crimes, involved police entering several residences in Manchester, aiming to dismantle money laundering networks.

Nine men, aged 36 to 63, were detained under suspicions of money laundering, fraud, and immigration-related offences, and are currently being interrogated by the authorities.

The suspects are believed to have been engaged in creating fake identities and businesses to facilitate their money laundering activities for several years, according to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

A thorough search of 12 properties led to the seizure of items, highlighting the substantial gains made from these illegal activities.

Before dawn, more than 100 officers assembled at the headquarters in Newton Heath and simultaneously executed the raids across Manchester, Bury, and Trafford.

Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe from the Economic Crime Unit mentioned that the group is suspected of laundering up to £40 million through both national and international bank transactions.

Buckthorpe emphasized that this operation targets dismantling the financial structures of organized crimes in Greater Manchester, aiming to reassure the community and encourage public cooperation in identifying suspicious activities.