In a five-day crackdown on organised immigration crime and illicit trade, police forces across the UK arrested over 300 individuals and seized £1 million in cash. The operation, which ran from June 15th to 20th, targeted premises such as barber shops, vape stores, car washes, food production facilities, and nail salons that are often exploited by criminal organisations.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) highlighted the vulnerabilities of these businesses in concealing illegal working, facilitating the exploitation of vulnerable migrants, and laundering the proceeds of crime. In addition to the cash seized, authorities confiscated £700,000 worth of illicit tobacco, vapes, and cigarettes, as well as cars, drugs, and e-bikes.
Among those arrested were 57 migrants who had previously arrived in the UK via small boats. Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, leader of the organised immigration crime domestic taskforce, said that this multi-agency effort sends a clear message to criminal gangs: law enforcement is united against illegal trade and will bring offenders to justice.
The operation follows the launch of a new £30 million High Street organised crime unit in May, established to tackle investigations into mini-marts, vape shops, and barbers. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, praised the collaboration between police, immigration enforcement, and other partners, highlighting the government's commitment to disrupting criminal networks.
As efforts continue to disrupt illegal immigration pathways, new measures are being considered, including civil penalties for business owners who employ migrants through illegal working. With 11,638 individuals having arrived in the UK via small boats as of June 26th – a decrease of 37% compared to the same period last year – the government's actions may start to have an impact.