Police swooped to arrest a man during dawn raids in Greater Manchester today launched as part of an investigation into suspected courier fraud. In a cross-border operation, two large hunting knives and a Rolex watch were seized after searches of homes targeted.
Warrants Executed in Tyldesley and Huddersfield
The sting saw warrants executed early on Thursday morning at two properties in the Tyldesley area of Wigan. The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. He remained in custody for questioning on Thursday afternoon and hasn't been named.
Warrants were also executed in Huddersfield, where a 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. He, too, remained in custody today. Searches of the properties there resulted in the seizure of mobile phone devices, a Rolex watch and two large knives.
What Is Courier Fraud?
Courier fraud, said police, is a 'deceptive scam' where fraudsters impersonate authority figures, like police officers or bank officials. Victims are targeted and duped into handing over money or other valuables. Police said the investigation which led to the raids followed a woman being called by a scammer claiming to be from her bank. She was told her card had been used fraudulently and needed to be collected, but police said it was then used to make 'numerous transactions'.
Police Statements on the Operation
Detective Sergeant James Woodcock said: "I want to thank everyone who worked on these strikes to ensure these two suspects were detained, a fantastic collaborative effort and work that will continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel - our regional approach to disrupting and tackling all forms of serious and organised crime."
Detective Constable Sophie Snowdon added: “Remember, neither police or bank officials will ever ask you to transfer money, send cash or valuable items for inspection, or otherwise. They will never pressure you or rush you and will always support you hanging up and calling from a trusted number from website or bank statement to fact check what they are saying."
