Travel agent, takeaway and money exchange business raided in police crackdown on suspected people smugglers
A total of 15 warrants have been executed across Greater Manchester on Tuesday
Eight men and two women have been arrested as part of a police crackdown on suspected people smugglers in Greater Manchester.
Local businesses including a travel agent, money exchange business, mini-mart and takeaway were targeted in the operation today (June 10) which saw 15 warrants executed, including at residential addresses. In total, 10 people have arrested. They remain in custody.
A 'significant' quantity of cash, documents, and electronic devices were also seized and will be examined as part of the investigation.
According to Greater Manchester Police, all of the suspects are believed to be linked, utilising their business means and services to plan and assist the illegal entry of migrants into the UK through falsifying travel documents and putting travel plans in place for them.
Today's raids were part of 'complex' investigation which started after an individual was stopped at Manchester Airport late last year.
The 10 individuals - aged between 19 and 52 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate a breach of immigration law by assisting illegal entry into the UK, conspiracy to money launder, and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
It comes as GMP's modern slavery and organised immigration teams, with support from officers across the force and partners from the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement unit, investigate criminal networks suspected to be involved in smuggling people into the UK.
They are also working with HRMC, the Home Office’s Immigration Criminal and Financial Investigation teams and Trading Standards.
Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations lead, Mark Stephens said: “We work with the police to take down the organised criminal gangs who operate on our streets, disguising their criminality through businesses and exploiting vulnerable people.
“This is a complex investigation led by Greater Manchester Police, which has taken another gang off our streets.
“Being able to support Greater Manchester Police to help keep our streets safe and borders protected is so important, making sure people who undermine our immigration laws face justice.”
Detective Chief Superintendent John Griffith, GMP's Head of Intelligence, said: "Today’s activity forms part of a complex investigation which commenced after an individual was stopped at Manchester Airport late last year.
"We’re gathering more intelligence into organised immigration crime than ever before, and while this crime type tends to be hidden from society, our investigations are unravelling how criminal networks are operating in plain sight through high street businesses.
"In Manchester we are committed to a whole system approach in addressing organised immigration crime, working alongside our partners we are dismantling the infrastructures that supports illegal entry into the UK. All regions are affected by organised immigration crime, this is not solely a maritime issue, and it is important we respond collectively, recognising the public’s concern regarding UK border security and illegal entry.
"Through collective partnership intensification we can impact the ‘grey’ economy which underpins and facilitates this criminal activity, identify criminal facilitators of this crime and improve public confidence.
"These criminals are exploiting the world’s most vulnerable individuals, putting them at risk of exploitation once they arrive in the UK, charging large sums of money for their illegal services, and undermining our immigration system.
"This criminality is not permitted in Greater Manchester, and we are taking action at the earliest opportunity to identify, trace, and bring suspects into custody while providing safeguarding measures as and when required.
"We have also trained many of our frontline officers on identifying signs of immigration crime and providing an initial response.
"Recognising these signs can help protect those at risk and disrupt criminal activities.
"We encourage anyone with concerns about businesses in their communities appearing to be lucrative without any footfall, or anyone who has information about someone planning to illegally enter the UK to report it to police on 101 or through our online services.
"Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Any concerns about individuals who may be victims of exploitation or Modern Slavery can be reported online at Modern Slavery Helpline or by ringing the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700."