Police raid city centre premises with two arrested as part of 'illegal gambling' probe
Summary
Greater Manchester Police, licencing officers, and representatives from the Gambling Commission raided a premises on Chester Road in Manchester city centre on Thursday, May 28. The operation was launched following reports of illegal gambling. Inside the allegedly unlicensed premises, officers discovered gambling tables, gambling chips, records, account books, alcohol, and 'other material'. A 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Gambling Act 2005 and Licensing Act 2003, respectively. Cash and mobile phones were seized. Specialist officers from GMP's Financial Crime Unit and Money Laundering teams are supporting the investigation. PC Nial Vivian stated, "It is important that all businesses adhere to the laws put in place, and which is why we took action in the city centre yesterday. Illegal gambling can cause many issues – from disputes about cash to money laundering – and it is important that we shut them down whenever we come across them." Sue Young, Executive Director of Operations at the Gambling Commission, added, "Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission so we were keen to work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council on this operation."
(Source:Manchester Evening News)