Detectives in Cadishead and Worsley have made six more arrests this morning as part of the continued investigation into the criminal use of encrypted communication services.

At around 6am today, officers from GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG) executed five warrants at properties across Cadishead, Worsley and Whitefield.

Four men, aged between 27 and 42, and two women, aged 27 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including money laundering, conspiracy to supply class A drugs and firearm offences.

Cash, cannabis and high-value assets including jewellery and electronic devices were also seized.

They all remain in custody for questioning by detectives.

Today’s action formed part of Operation Goodwin; an investigation into an organised crime group involved in the large scale supply of class A drugs and firearms within Greater Manchester and the UK.

Op Goodwin forms one part of GMP’s strand of the National Crime Agency (NCA) led Operation Venetic.

Launched in July 2020 by the NCA, Operation Venetic brought together nearly ever law enforcement agency across the UK, focusing on the takedown of ‘Encrochat’ – a sophisticated encrypted communications service – often used by organised criminal groups.

 

 

Since its inception, GMP has launched multiple investigations into the activity of numerous organised criminal groups and this has seen 216 people arrested, with 170 of those charged with a range of drug, money and firearm offences.

Detectives have also been successful in seizing over £2million in cash, numerous high-value assets and ‘multi-kilos’ of both class A and B drugs.

Detective Inspector, Justin Bryant of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group said: “Today’s action, arrests and seizures are yet another positive step forward in our continuing commitment to tackle the activity of organised criminal groups across Greater Manchester.

“The takedown of the encrypted Encrochat communication services has allowed us a deeper and more personal insight into the world that these people operate in and since 2020 we’ve been working tirelessly to decipher messages and identify all those involved in this activity.

“The mammoth operation has seen over 200 arrests made so far and I have no doubt that these figures will continue to rise throughout 2022 as we continue in our fight against this type of criminality, removing those involved from our streets.

“These individuals may feel untouchable, but I hope these figures clearly demonstrate that GMP, alongside the NCA and other law enforcement agencies, will ensure the law soon catches up with them.”

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