Man stopped at airport with £1.8m in gold bars as Police secure record seizure

Greater Manchester Police have secured a record cash forfeiture after discovering a man attempting to fly abroad with £1.8 million worth of gold bars hidden in his hand luggage.

The extraordinary find, made in May 2025, involved over 15 kilograms of gold. Officers from the force’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit intercepted the man as he prepared to board a flight.

Following a detailed investigation, the force successfully presented its case to Manchester Magistrates’ Court. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the court has now officially ordered that the gold can be retained by the police—marking the largest haul ever awarded to GMP.

Investing in Communities

Half of the recovered funds will be funneled back into local communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). Previous funding from the scheme has already supported 12 local groups, including a community boxing and sports club in Bolton. The club used the money to provide free classes for more than 350 children and to run holiday camps that included meals for families during half-term.

Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, of GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, stated that the seizure sends a strong message to organised criminal networks.

“This case reflects our unwavering commitment to tackling all forms of money laundering, whether it involves cash, gold, or any other high value assets used to hide criminal profits,” she said.

“By targeting the movement of illicit wealth at every stage, we are dismantling the financial networks that allow organised crime to thrive. Our message is clear: whatever the form and wherever it is concealed, we will find it, we will seize it, and we will ensure that crime does not pay.”

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