Oldham driver caught with counterfeit cigs and £42k following routine police stop

The Asset Detention and Recovery Unit in Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Unit have forfeited over £1.5 million this tax year from criminals' pockets following 216 successful court forfeitures.

The unit work to identify, seize and then forfeit criminal finance so it can be reinvested by the force into community projects across Greater Manchester.

The Asset Detention and Recovery Unit are the team that deal with the forfeiture of all cash and listed assets for example watches, cash and precious metals after they have been seized on warrants or proactive vehicle stops.

The officers and staff in the team conduct civil investigations that arise following these seizures with a view to forfeiting the assets at court.

They work on the balance of probability where they prove through a thorough civil financial investigation that the money that has been seized comes from, or is intended to be used for crime.

This ensures that the money seized does not get returned to criminals to spend in organised crime networks and further violence in Greater Manchester.

The money we successfully forfeit is sent to the Home Office, and through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), GMP get just under 50% back to fund community projects and policing initiatives.

The money comes from a variety of criminal disruption.

In Oldham, a 36-year-old man was stopped during a regular traffic patrol and after a search of the vehicle there was a large quantity of suspected counterfeit cigarettes found.

Following further searches over £42,000 was recovered and then forfeited by the Asset Detention and Recovery Unit this year.

In October 2023, a vehicle was stopped on the motorway as it crossed over to Greater Manchester Police’s borders, a vehicle was stopped as part of Operation Falcon.

When the vehicle was searched there was cash bundles concealed in drawers under the front driver and passenger seats, the two occupants of the car attempted to run from officers but were caught and arrested.

£124,000 was seized and has been successfully forfeited.

Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “This is just two examples of forfeitures made daily by the team and as an Economic Crime Unit, we are continuing to work diligently to prevent money that is made from crime from being used to further criminality.

“In line with our public promises, we are seizing more assets from criminals and using that money to either further asset recovery or on the community through ARIS.

“It is fitting that the money we seize from proceeds of crime is being used to help fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims which ultimately makes Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.

“We will keep our focus on dismantling organised crime and will continue to target their finances, seizing cash and assets from those who wish to harm our communities.

“I want to take this opportunity to reassure the public that any information reported to us is dealt with in complete confidence and will be followed up meticulously.

“We are thankful for your ongoing support in sharing information with our unit which helps us successfully disrupt criminal networks, bring people to justice and take their proceeds from crime away from them, which reduces the amount of serious and organised violence on our streets.”

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at: www.gmp.police.uk or via 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Non-profit organisations which benefit a large number of people can apply for a maximum of £20,000 to fund 12 months’ activities.

The activities must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.

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