More than £1.5m in criminal cash has been seized by police across Greater Manchester this year.
The money was seized by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) asset detention and recovery unit after 216 court forfeitures.
It will now be reinvested in community projects across the region, with groups like the Bolton Scout Trust and the Bolton Police Station adult safeguarding unit at having previously benefited.
Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, of GMP’s economic crime unit, said: “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.”
DI Langley and her colleagues deal with the forfeiture of cash and items like watches, and precious metals after they have been seized on warrants or vehicle stops.
ALSO READ: Cash seized from criminals will help make a difference in Bolton
ALSO READ: GMP report major seizures of criminal wealth
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 civil financial investigation that the money that has been seized comes from or is intended to be used for crime.
Officers say that this is meant to ensure that the money does not get returned to criminals who will them spend it in organised crime networks.
The money is sent to the Home Office and through Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), GMP get just under 50 per cent back to fund community projects and policing initiatives.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel