Joint Enforcement Operation Across Deansgate Leads to Multiple Arrests and Seizures of Gambling Equipment
Police have arrested four individuals following a series of coordinated warrants and enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal gambling premises in Manchester city centre and Deansgate. The raids, conducted on Monday, September 21, 2026, stem from an ongoing proactive investigation.
During the operation, officers arrested two women on suspicion of immigration offenses, one man for money laundering and breaching the Gambling Act by providing unauthorized gambling facilities, and another man for licensing offenses related to operating an unlicensed late-night takeaway. All four suspects remain in police custody.
Seizures and Collaborative Investigation
The raids built upon intelligence gathered from a prior gambling operation in May, including data recovered from previously seized mobile phones. During the latest raids, officers confiscated additional mobile devices, gambling tables, records, account books, and over £20,000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. The operation was carried out jointly by the Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team alongside partners from the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council Licensing Team.
Official Statements
PC Nial Vivian of the Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team commented on the operation:
“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.”
Sue Young, Executive Director of Operations at the Gambling Commission, added:
“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 the police to crack down on illegal operations.”
