Gold bars and jewellery worth over £2m seized at Manchester Airport with searches in Bradford
Police have arrested two men after being stopped at Manchester Airport and searches in West Yorkshire
Police have seized gold bars and jewellery worth upwards of £2 million in a money laundering investigation linked to Manchester Airport.
Officers made arrests and uncovered goods believed to be GMP’s biggest ever gold seizure as part of the ongoing probe.
On Thursday, 30th October, police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle parked at Manchester Airport at around 11:40pm.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered seven gold bars valued at approximately £700,000.
Further investigations led to two men being arrested on their return to the UK on Monday, 3rd November 2025. They were travelling on board an inbound flight.
A search of their luggage revealed additional gold and jewellery estimated to be worth around £1 million.
Search uncovers further luxury items
Following the arrests, police conducted searches at the suspects’ addresses in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Investigators discovered a further £60,000 worth of gold bars, a £30,000 watch, and cash during the searches.
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.”
The two men, aged 49 and 45, remain in custody for questioning as enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP via its website at gmp.police.uk or via Crimestoppers.