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Over the past year, Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Economic Crime Unit has seized and recovered over £17m from criminals. A significant portion of these funds has been redirected to community organisations across Greater Manchester through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), which allows money seized through policing activity to be reinvested in crime prevention and community initiatives.
With criminals often attempting to hide illicit funds, GMP’s Economic Crime Unit works to trace, seize and legally recover assets through the courts.
“We are recovering more money from criminals, and it is being reinvested in communities. Keeping the people of Greater Manchester safe from crime remains a priority, and asset recovery is a key part of that. Thanks to the hard work of our officers, we are in a strong position to continue stripping criminals of finances that would otherwise fund further criminal activity.”
Andrew Buckthorpe, Detective Superintendent.
Money is typically seized through warrants, stop searches and other police operations, with additional efforts from the Account Freezing Order team, which targets criminal bank accounts.
Operation Falcon, launched in May 2022, is one such initiative aimed at tackling money laundering and disrupting organised crime in Greater Manchester. Since its launch, over £2m has been seized.
Once a case reaches court and is successfully concluded, the recovered money is divided: 50% remains with GMP to fund further asset recovery work and community initiatives, while the remaining 50% is returned to the Home Office.
“These efforts ensure that those who profit from crime do not get to enjoy their illegally obtained finances at the expense of others. The fact that this money is now being reinvested into local communities makes this work even more valuable.”
Andrew Buckthorpe, Detective Superintendent.
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