Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a significant police crackdown on high street businesses suspected of laundering £1 billion each year. The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that criminal gangs are using shops such as mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores, and sweet shops to clean dirty money, often operating in plain sight.
New Funding and Units
The government has allocated £20 million to establish a new NCA unit dedicated to tackling illicit finance, with an additional £6 million for trading standards to help identify sham businesses. A new High Street Organised Crime Unit will bring together police, government departments, and trading standards teams to coordinate efforts. A rapid review has also been ordered to improve response times.
Targeting Criminal Networks
Ms Mahmood stated: “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses. We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash, and drive organised crime off our high streets.” The NCA estimates that £1 billion is laundered through high street businesses annually, with some linked to fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working, and drug supply.
In the past 18 months, authorities have seized £10 million and made 950 arrests related to high street crime. The new funding will create 75 police roles to build intelligence. Lord Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, warned: “Organised high street crime, including the illegal sale of tobacco and counterfeit goods, is damaging communities. These networks undercut honest businesses and expose consumers to unsafe products.”
Additional Measures
A £30 million package includes £1.5 million for immigration enforcement, £1.35 million for HMRC, and £900,000 for the High Street Organised Crime Unit. Ed Woodhall, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, welcomed the action, saying: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders cause massive damage, so we strongly support this government action to back responsible retailers.”
