Home Office Creates Unit to Target Organised Crime in High Street Shops

The Home Office announced a new unit within the National Crime Agency to coordinate enforcement against organised crime groups operating from high street businesses. The £20 million initiative targets shops such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops that authorities say are used to launder money and conduct illegal activity.

The Home Office said 75 new police officers will be recruited nationwide for this work. 35 million to HMRC. The agency estimates that up to half of convenience stores and vape retailers in some areas have links to organised crime.

The Home Office stated that thousands of businesses are expected to be raided, hundreds of arrests made, and millions in cash seized under the new measures. A national intensification campaign will be placed on permanent annual footing to coordinate enforcement across the country.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said criminal gangs have used high street shops to launder money and undercut legitimate businesses. She added that the government aims to close these operations, seize cash, and pursue prosecutions.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute welcomed the new unit but called for additional measures to protect officers. Chief executive John Herriman said the proliferation of such shops puts consumers at risk and undermines legitimate businesses. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the plans do not go far enough and cited reductions in police numbers and increases in business rates as ongoing challenges for high streets.