GMP puts seized criminal cash to work for Greater Manchester communities

Thursday, 11 September 2025 19:06

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester Police has reclaimed £17 million from criminals and reinvested over £1.5 million into local projects that protect and support residents

Greater Manchester Police has recovered a record £17 million in criminal assets in the last financial year, and more than £1.5 million of that is already being used to support communities across the region.

Through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme, the seized funds are redistributed into initiatives that tackle crime, support victims, and strengthen community resilience.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Buckthorpe, head of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “The money claimed back from criminal proceeds is being used for good in the communities we serve. It’s fitting that the money we seize from proceeds of crime is being used to help fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe, and care for victims.”

Among the largest seizures this year were from convicted drug traffickers Lee Whiteley and Umair Zaheer, who were ordered to repay over £200,000 and £350,000 respectively as part of court-ordered confiscations.

Community projects funded by criminal proceeds

Since 2023, GMP has distributed more than £1.5 million in ARIS funding to non-profit groups and community organisations. Recent beneficiaries include:

Child Safety Media, which received £45,000 to deliver Crucial Crew workshops to 16,000 children across Greater Manchester. The sessions promote personal safety, internet awareness, rail safety, knife crime prevention and other topics.
Chadderton Football Club, which was granted £72,000 to help fund a new artificial pitch, providing safe, year-round facilities for local youth and sports teams.
Cheetwood Community Primary School in Cheetham Hill, which received funding to upgrade and improve its playground.
GetAway’N’GetSafe, a school-based programme designed to deter young people from entering criminal lifestyles by offering inspiration and practical alternatives.

Dan Lowrie, director of Child Safety Media, praised the scheme: “This is partnership working at its very best. Without ARIS funding from GMP, our Crucial Crew programme simply would not be possible.”

He added: “Children and young people are a valued part of our society and our intention is to continue to keep them safe, involved and reassured.”

More funding opportunities to come

GMP has recently completed its latest round of ARIS community bids and successful applicants will be informed shortly. Another round is planned for 2026, with eligible groups able to apply for up to £20,000 to fund activities lasting 12 months.

To qualify, applicants must be non-profit organisations operating projects that benefit a broad cross-section of the community and contribute to reducing crime or supporting victims.

Det Supt Buckthorpe said the record-breaking year shows GMP’s growing strength in financial enforcement: “We are in a strong position where we continue to strip criminals of their finances which are often used to further crime in our communities.”