Police Crack Down on Hundreds of Barbershops, Vape Shops, and Nail Salons in Crime Operation
In a concerted effort to combat money laundering and modern slavery, hundreds of barbershops, vape shops, and nail salons have been targeted by the police in a three-week crackdown, as reported by Wales Online. Coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA), the operation involved visits to 265 cash-intensive establishments across England and Wales, resulting in the closure of 10 shops, with more shutdowns anticipated. This initiative, known as Operation Machinize, aimed to address “high street crime” and prevent criminal networks from using cash-intensive businesses to hide illicit proceeds, stated the NCA.
The NCA revealed that the enforcement action led to 35 arrests, with 97 individuals suspected of being victims of modern slavery placed under police protection. Rachael Herbert, the deputy director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, highlighted the use of cash-intensive businesses as fronts for various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, organised immigration crime, human trafficking, and the sale of illicit goods. The crackdown specifically targeted barbershops and other high street businesses nationwide.
During the operation, involving 19 police forces and regional organised crime units, officers obtained freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million. Additionally, authorities seized over £40,000 in cash, approximately 200,000 cigarettes, 7,000 packs of tobacco, and more than 8,000 illegal vapes. Two cannabis farms containing a total of 150 plants were also discovered. The NCA estimated that criminal activities in the UK generate £12 billion in illicit cash annually.
According to the NCA, cash-intensive businesses such as barbershops are frequently used by criminals to obscure the origins of illegal funds. These establishments provide avenues for criminal gangs to integrate illegitimate funds with legal earnings, complicating subsequent law enforcement investigations. The agency emphasized that criminal groups often purchase such businesses using proceeds from illicit activities, enabling them to engage in money laundering through legitimate enterprises.
Security minister Dan Jarvis underscored the significance of combating high street crime to uphold security, border integrity, and community trust. Jarvis commended the successful operation led by the NCA, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment by addressing complex criminal activities in urban areas. Jarvis reaffirmed ongoing support for the NCA and law enforcement partners to enhance the UK’s resilience against organised crime.
The multifaceted nature of contemporary criminal operations underscores the necessity of proactive law enforcement interventions to safeguard communities and disrupt illicit activities. By targeting cash-intensive businesses that serve as conduits for money laundering and modern slavery, authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable individuals. The recent enforcement action serves as a testament to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling complex criminal enterprises across the UK.