‘Dodgy’ shops handling criminal cash targeted by new unit
Summary
The UK government is creating a new specialist team to investigate shops like vape stores, barbers, mini-marts, and sweet shops suspected of laundering about £1 billion in criminal money. This team, run by the National Crime Agency (NCA), will work with police forces and trading standards officers to raid and shut down businesses linked to crime.Key Facts
- The government is investing £20 million to set up a National Crime Agency unit focused on crime-linked retail businesses.
- About 75 new officers will be hired in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Kent, and Essex to support this effort.
- The NCA estimates that criminal gangs launder £1 billion annually through small retail outlets on UK high streets.
- Businesses suspected include mini-marts, vape shops, barbers, sweet shops, American candy stores, and takeaways.
- Many such shops may also be involved in tax evasion, selling fake goods, illegal working, and drug supply.
- Recent coordinated raids by the NCA led to over 900 arrests, seizures of £10.7 million in illegal cash, illegal vapes, cannabis, and cigarettes.
- An additional £6 million is being given to local trading standards departments to help identify and stop these criminal fronts.
- The government has set up a High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate efforts across departments and law enforcement.
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