Greater Manchester Police targets human trafficking gangs in new crackdown on immigration crime

A specialist GMP unit is dismantling criminal networks exploiting migrants through fake documents, sham marriages, and modern slavery

Greater Manchester Police is intensifying efforts to dismantle human trafficking and illegal immigration networks with a dedicated unit at the forefront of tackling what it calls an “evolving and complex” threat to public safety.

The Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime (MSOIC) Unit, based at Nexus House in Greater Manchester, is one of just a few nationally that focuses exclusively on organised immigration crime and modern slavery.

Made up of 13 experienced officers and data analysts, the unit operates under GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, and delivers intelligence-led, multi-agency operations aimed at both safeguarding vulnerable people and dismantling criminal enterprises.

Organised Immigration Crime, involves the illegal movement of people into or around the UK, often for profit by organised crime groups. Common tactics include small boat crossings, the use of forged documentation, sham marriages, and fraudulent visa applications. The financial proceeds often fund other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and exploitation.

In one of the unit’s most recent operations, GMP officers arrested a 50-year-old man in Leeds on 3 October after intercepting a fake driving licence believed to have been purchased online. A subsequent search of the man’s property uncovered roughly one kilo of cannabis, leading to further arrest on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

In June, the MSOIC team led a coordinated strike day with Immigration Enforcement, executing 15 warrants across Greater Manchester at businesses and homes suspected of being used for people smuggling and money laundering. Raids took place at a travel agency, a currency exchange, convenience shops, and fast-food takeaways.

Ten individuals, eight men and two women aged between 19 and 52, were arrested for suspected offences including conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry, money laundering, and participation in an organised crime group. Four remain on police bail while investigations continue.

A significant haul of cash, forged documents, and digital devices was seized.

Chief Inspector Abi Cronin, who heads the unit, stressed the need for community vigilance, warning that victims of modern slavery and immigration crime are often “hidden in plain sight” and unaware of their rights.

“Organised immigration crime is a lucrative business for criminal gangs, but it comes at a huge cost to vulnerable people,” said Cronin. “Victims may be too frightened to come forward or may not even realise they are being exploited.”

GMP urges members of the public to report signs such as:

• Individuals with no access to ID or formal contracts
• People working excessively long hours for little or no pay
• Those transported to work in groups and dropped off at unusual times
• Visible signs of physical or psychological abuse
• Poor accommodation conditions or overcrowded housing
• Workers always accompanied or spoken for by others
• Difficulty communicating or not knowing their address

Detective Inspector Abigail Thomas, senior investigating officer, said the MSOIC team works closely with the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement, and the National Crime Agency to disrupt transnational crime groups.

“We’re coordinating daily with local authorities, HMRC, trading standards, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to safeguard victims and pursue offenders. It’s a truly joined-up effort,” she said.

The defendants arrested in a related long-term investigation known as Operation Alfriston, including suspects from Stockport, Bolton, Farnworth, Manchester and London — are scheduled to face trial in December.

Meanwhile, Erjon Kurti, 51, of Harlech Street in Leeds, who was arrested on 3 October, will appear at Manchester Crown Court on 10 November.

Chief Inspector Cronin reiterated GMP’s commitment to identifying and rescuing victims:

“Every piece of information from the public helps. We won’t stop until we’ve dismantled the networks that trade in human misery.”