Overview

• Ten suspects aged between 19 and 52 were arrested and remain in custody following coordinated raids in Bolton, Sale, Bramhall, Salford, Leigh, Cheadle and Cricklewood
• Officers executed 15 search warrants at residential and commercial premises, seizing significant quantities of cash, documents and electronic devices for forensic examination
• The operation was led by Greater Manchester Police’s modern slavery and organised immigration teams in partnership with the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement unit, HM Revenue & Customs and Trading Standards
• Investigators say the gang used front businesses—including a travel agency, money exchange, mini-mart and takeaway—to forge passports and arrange travel bookings for migrants
• Police allege the group primarily smuggled individuals from Iran, Iraq and Syria, charging as much as £20,000 per person and exposing them to heightened exploitation risks upon arrival