"A new National Crime Agency cell, backed by £20 million, is tasked with coordinating a national response to issues arising from rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops. The Home Office stated that 75 new police officers will be recruited nationwide to tackle these high-street gangs."
"According to Trading Standards, up to half of convenience stores and vape retailers in certain areas may be linked to organised crime. Similarly, as many as one-third of American candy stores and one in four fast-food takeaways in some regions are suspected of being fronts for criminal activity."
"Over the last decade, local authority Trading Standards services have experienced budget cuts of up to 50%, resulting in reduced staffing. Trading Standards has warned that these cuts, alongside reduced resources for other key enforcement agencies such as the police, have coincided with the rapid spread of dodgy shops across the UK."
"Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, "Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses. We are taking action with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize illicit cash, and drive organised crime off our streets, putting those responsible behind bars.""
A new National Crime Agency cell will coordinate a national response to criminal gangs operating through high-street businesses. The plan includes recruiting 75 police officers and providing additional funding for Trading Standards training to identify suspicious businesses. Trading Standards reports that up to half of convenience stores and vape retailers in some areas may be linked to organised crime, and that some candy stores and fast-food takeaways may also function as fronts. A separate investigation indicates people smugglers use UK-registered businesses to direct migrants to pay for illegal Channel crossings. Budget cuts have reduced Trading Standards staffing and enforcement capacity, which has coincided with the spread of dodgy shops. Additional funding will also support Immigration Enforcement and HMRC.
#national-crime-agency #trading-standards #organised-crime #high-street-raids #immigration-enforcement
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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