Specialist police unit launch a week of action to crackdown on economic crime

The week will consist of dedicated resources deployed to prevent fraud and also target those suspected of committing economic crimes such as money laundering

Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit have launched a week of action to tackle economic crime offences across Greater Manchester.

The week will consist of dedicated resources deployed to prevent fraud and also target those suspected of committing economic crimes such as money laundering, in a bid to make Greater Manchester a safer place.

Detective Superintendent Paul Copplestone, of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “In our unit we have a number of teams who are dedicated in their robust approach to tackling economic crime.

“The team uses a variety of options which is available to us from the Proceeds of Crime Act, including cash seizure powers, listed asset powers and bank account freezing orders.

"We have been preparing for this week of action for the last month, and a substantial amount of work has gone in to ensuring we are doing all we can to tackle economic crime.

“In the last tax year, the unit saw over £15 million forfeited from criminals, which was a massive accomplishment for us and one of the best years we have had in the unit, this year we are hoping to surpass this and continue on an upward trend with money recovery.

“Our officers and staff work hard to recover criminal finances and this work does not go unnoticed and will undoubtedly continue to help Greater Manchester a safer place.

“We will use the week of action as opportunity to show to the public that we are robust and relentless in tackling economic crime from officers our money laundering team who are proactive in dealing with the movement of illicit finances to our prevention officers and teams of volunteers who are always out and about hosting crime prevention stalls and workshops to ensure we are providing the right advice to our public.

"Taking away money and assets from criminals does have a substantial impact on criminality – it targets them where it hurts most - their pockets.

"I hope through this week, we can show the public that whilst tackling fraud and economic crime remains a relentless task, we will continue to work hard to bring those involved in criminal behaviour to justice, and ensure that crime doesn't pay."

Keep an eye out on Greater Manchester Police's website and social media pages to find out activity that is happening next week in your local area.

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