Police tackle Organised Immigration Crime across Greater Manchester

Police have made significant progress in tackling Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) including sham marriages across Greater Manchester.

The dedicated specialist unit has been disrupting criminal networks and working with partners to safeguard vulnerable individuals across the region. 

The Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime (MSOIC) Unit, based at Nexus House within the Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG), is one of the few teams nationally focused solely on addressing the complex and evolving threat posed by OIC, along with tackling and investigating modern slavery.   

The unit brings together a team of 13 experienced detectives, investigative support officers, and data specialists to deliver intelligence-led operations and multi-agency interventions.   

Organised Immigration Crime involves the illegal movement of people into the UK or enabling individuals to remain here unlawfully.  

It is often orchestrated by Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) who look to exploit the most vulnerable people in the world for profit, using methods such as small boats, air travel, and freight.    

It can also involve supplying migrants with false documents, or by abusing visa schemes through sham marriages or false registration of births.     

The proceeds from OIC are frequently connected to wider criminality including drug trafficking, county lines, and exploitation.    

Earlier this month, on Friday, October 3, officers arrested a 50-year-old man in Leeds on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a false identity document with improper intent.     

This follows a dedicated operation, where investigators intercepted a fake driving licence believed to have been ordered online prior to it reaching its intended address.    

Following this arrest, a search warrant was executed at an address where officers recovered approximately 1 kilo of cannabis. The man was further arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis.   

In June 2025, the MSOIC team led a coordinated strike day with partners from Immigration Enforcement cracking down organised immigration crime.  

Fifteen warrants were executed across Greater Manchester, targeting businesses and residential addresses suspected of being involved in facilitating illegal immigration and laundering criminal proceeds.  

Locations included a travel agency, money exchange business, mini-mart, and takeaway. Warrants were also executed at residential addresses.     

Eight men and two women – aged between 19 and 52 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK, conspiracy to money launder, and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.   

A significant quantity of cash, documents, and electronic devices were also seized for examination. Four individuals remain on police bail while our investigations continue.   

Detective Inspector Abigail Thomas, senior investigating officer, said: “Organised Immigration Crime is complex and demands a joined-up response. 

"We work closely with Immigration Enforcement and the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations team to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement, and safeguard vulnerable people.   

“Partnerships with the ROCUs and National Crime Agency help us understand the national threat and tackle OCGs operating across borders. 

"Locally, we coordinate with district officers, local authorities, HMRC, trading standards, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to carry out enforcement activity."  

Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin, head of our Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit, said: “Organised immigration crime is seen as an easy way to generate money for organised crime groups.     

“Criminals seek to exploit vulnerable people and often use the proceeds of this crime to fund other forms of criminality, which has detrimental effects on our communities.     

“People who enter the country through these means are vulnerable to exploitation and may not even realise they’re victims.    

“Our frontline officers are trained to identify signs of immigration crime and respond appropriately.    

“Recognising these signs is crucial—not only to protect those at risk but also to disrupt the criminal networks that profit from their suffering. 

“We take all information from the public seriously and act on it.    

“We encourage anyone with concerns about illegal immigration or exploitation to report it to police via 101 or our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk   

“Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.     

“Any concerns about individuals who may be victims of exploitation or Modern Slavery can be reported online at Modern Slavery Helpline or by ringing the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700."