Vehicle search uncovered hidden assets 
The North West Regional Asset Recovery Team officially took on Operation Tindalo following its referral from Greater Manchester Police on the 14th, January 2005.
The defendant Maxine Houghton, born 12th March 1976, was arrested in B&Q store, Trafford Park, Manchester, for an offence of criminal deception on the 12th, January 2005. Her vehicle was searched and documents were recovered which implicated her in managing prostitutes and brothels. One in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, and two in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside.
As a result of the police investigation she was charged with offences of theft, deception and two offences of controlling prostitutes for gain.
She pleaded guilty to these offences at Manchester Crown Court on 3rd, June 2005 and was sentenced to 12 months community rehabilitation order and 120hrs community punishment order.
This matter was further investigated by the North West Regional Asset Recovery Team to ascertain what benefit she had obtained from her criminal activity.
On Thursday 23rd, November 2006, Houghton appeared before HH Judge Mort at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. It was agreed by the defendant that she had benefited from her criminal conduct, (controlling prostitutes) to the sum of £875,000.00 and that she had realisable assets of £395,000.00. An order was therefore made for this amount to be paid in 6 months or 3 ½ years imprisonment in default.