POLICE MAKE HUGE DISCOVERY AFTER 'SUSPICIOUS' CAR SEARCHED AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT

Police made a massive discovery after searching a car left at Manchester Airport. Gold bullion was part of a £2m haul seized from suspected money launderers travelling from the airport. Seven bars, embossed with "Suisse 1 kilo" and valued at £700,000, were recovered from the car.

This is the largest gold seizure in the history of Greater Manchester Police. Two men have been arrested. The police were alerted after a vehicle was handed over to a drop-off concierge parking service at the airport.

An employee felt there was something suspicious about the car and its occupants and contacted GMP, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The force was notified at 11.40pm last Thursday, and inside the vehicle, officers discovered the gold bars.

Following an initial investigation and further enquiries over the weekend, two suspects were identified and arrested last night (November 3) when they returned to the UK on a flight from Dubai.

A search of their luggage revealed an additional estimated £1m worth of gold and jewellery. Further searches of the suspects' addresses in Bradford, West Yorkshire, uncovered more gold bars valued around £60k, along with a £30k watch and a sum of money.

The two men – aged 49 and 45 – were arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

They remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, from GMP's Economic Crime Unit, said: "Following initial enquiries, we have begun a money laundering investigation and have been working through all information available to us as part of this work.

"Any discovery of this size is of course something we want to explore all reasons for, and our specialist officers are currently determining the reasons for the gold and jewellery being brought into the country.

"Any offences regarding money or the illegal dealing and possession of goods is something we will simply never tolerate, and we will always act to ensure people are acting within the confines of the law.

"If this is something that you may have knowledge of, please do get in touch with us, as your information could greatly assist with our work."

Members of the public can contact GMP through their website at gmp.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

2025-11-04T14:28:34Z