An 18-year-old man has been arrested following a police pursuit in Bolton, during which officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) stopped a suspected cloned vehicle and seized a significant quantity of cash.
The incident unfolded on Friday night (18 April) when officers on proactive patrol in the Bolton area spotted a vehicle believed to be displaying false registration plates on Wigan Road. When signalled to stop, the driver failed to comply, prompting a high-speed pursuit through local streets.
The chase ended when the suspect attempted to flee on foot. Officers quickly detained the man, who was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and money laundering. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Upon searching the vehicle, police recovered £4,000 in cash, which was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The car itself was also confirmed to be unregistered and has since been impounded.
Police Statement
Inspector Shafiqur Malik, from GMP’s Specialist Operations branch, praised the professionalism of the officers involved and highlighted the ongoing work of specialist patrol units:
“The arrest last night highlights the excellent work that goes on behind the scenes every day and night across the force.
“It showed a dedicated response by officers to apprehend the suspect, and I hope this proves that we are successfully able to track, trace, and detain those who are blighting our local communities.”
Inspector Malik added that the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit continues to play a critical role in targeting organised crime, vehicle offences, and public safety threats across Greater Manchester.
Community Impact
The operation is part of GMP’s wider effort to crack down on criminal activity involving cloned vehicles, often linked to wider illegal enterprises such as drug trafficking and fraud.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles or driving behaviour to police on 101, or via Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
