Two individuals have been arrested after police and regulators carried out a raid at a suspected unlawful playing venue in central Manchester, in keeping with authorities.
The motion adopted stories {that a} property on Chester Highway had been internet hosting playing exercise with out the licenses required beneath UK legislation. Officers from Higher Manchester Police’s Metropolis of Manchester group joined workers from the Playing Fee and Manchester Metropolis Council’s licensing division for the operation on Could 28.
A 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old lady have been detained on suspicion of offences beneath the Playing Act 2005 and the Licensing Act 2003. Police mentioned each remained in custody for questioning as of Thursday night.
When investigators entered the premises, they found playing tables, chips, account books and data. Officers additionally recovered alcohol, money, cell phones and different supplies they consider could possibly be related to the case.
Monetary investigators be part of Manchester playing raid inquiry
What started as a playing investigation has expanded right into a wider probe. Higher Manchester Police mentioned specialists from its Monetary Crime Unit and cash laundering group at the moment are helping with ongoing inquiries.
Authorities haven’t disclosed how massive the suspected operation was or how lengthy it could have been operating. No costs had been introduced when police launched particulars of the raid.
PC Nial Vivian mentioned the operation focused companies working exterior authorized necessities.
“It will be significant that every one companies adhere to the legal guidelines put in place, and which is why we took motion within the metropolis centre yesterday,” Vivian mentioned in a statement.
He additionally warned that illegal playing venues might be linked to broader legal exercise.
“Unlawful playing may cause many points – from disputes about money to cash laundering – and it’s important that we shut them down each time we come throughout them,” Vivian mentioned. “We have now labored carefully with our companions in each the Playing Fee and Manchester Metropolis Council.”
The Playing Fee described the Manchester case as a part of a wider nationwide effort to deal with unlicensed playing.
Sue Younger, the fee’s govt director of operations, added: “Tackling all types of unlawful playing is a spotlight for the Fee so we have been eager to work in partnership with Higher Manchester Police and Manchester Metropolis Council on this operation.”
The raid comes months after a separate enforcement action in Birmingham showcased related considerations. In July 2025, cops from Operation Fearless and the Severe Organised Crime and Exploitation unit raided premises in Ladywell Stroll, the place they uncovered an underground poker and playing operation.
The investigation resulted in 4 arrests. Two males have been arrested on suspicion of cash laundering, whereas two others have been held over immigration offences. Officers additionally seized gaming machines believed to be linked to suspected cash laundering and fraud, together with massive quantities of money, medication and weapons.
Authorities mentioned the Manchester investigation stays lively, with additional inquiries persevering with.
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