A hundred-strong police team has caused shock after making nine arrests in a series of organised crime raids that took place recently in Greater Manchester. The arrests were made as part of Operation Calcite, which has been an ongoing police investigation for eight months. The raids were a joint operation between Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit, the Serious Organised Crime group, and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
In the early morning, tactical police officers descended on various properties, breaking through doors to apprehend the suspects. The operation targeted British nationals aged between 36 and 63, who were wanted for suspected money laundering, fraud, and organised crime activities spanning at least three years. The individuals arrested are believed to be connected to each other and are accused of using fake identities and businesses to launder proceeds of crimes.
During the raids, police seized items such as jewellery, watches, vehicles worth over £180,000, and £50,000 in cash. The Economic Crime Unit estimates that the total amount of money laundered by the group could be as high as £40 million. Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe stated that the group was likely involved in facilitating money laundering on a large scale, potentially linked to drug dealing activities.
The authorities believe that the group operated at a high level, moving cash through bank accounts nationally and internationally. They suspect connections to organised immigration offences involving falsification of documents such as passports, driving licences, HMRC documents, and VISA applications. The police have gathered significant evidence to prosecute those arrested and to potentially identify further individuals involved after questioning and property searches.
DS Buckthorpe emphasised their commitment to tackling organised criminality and their aim to eradicate it. He noted that the arrests would disrupt criminal networks in Greater Manchester and send a message to those involved in money laundering, fraud, and other serious crimes. The police action aims to reassure the public who are concerned about such criminal activities and reinforce that perpetrators can expect law enforcement to hold them accountable.
The operation has been a significant effort by the police to combat organised crime and uphold the law within the region. With the arrests made, the authorities are sending a clear message that criminal activities will not go unpunished, and they are determined to bring those responsible to justice.