Greater Manchester Police arrested a 37-year-old man Tuesday morning in Oldham as officers raided four properties linked to an alleged mobile phone fraud scheme that has potentially victimized numerous residents across the region.

The Economic Crime Unit, supported by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, executed the warrants following multiple complaints from residents who believed they had been defrauded. Authorities say victims received calls from individuals claiming to represent their mobile network providers, who convinced them to upgrade their phone contracts with promises of receiving the latest handset models.

Instead of premium phones, victims received older models. When they contacted the supposed providers about the unexpected deliveries, they were instructed to forward the devices to specific “returns” addresses. Police believe these locations serve as “mule addresses” where criminals temporarily store stolen phones before moving them through their network, with some devices eventually leaving the country.

Detective Inspector Tim Flint of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit stated: “As always, any reports of fraud are taken extremely seriously and will always thoroughly investigate where there’s evidence of criminal activity. What we are investigating here is what we believe to be a highly sophisticated fraud and a number of people, not just in Greater Manchester, have potentially been a victim.”

The suspect remains in custody for questioning while the investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact police through Action Fraud, GMP’s website, or by calling 101. Crimestoppers can also be reached anonymously at 0800 555 111.

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