The UK Government has announced the launch of a new £30 million High Street Organised Crime Unit, aimed at cracking down on criminal groups that use barbershops, vape shops, nail bars, convenience stores and other cash-intensive businesses as cover for money laundering, the sale of illegal goods, and other crimes.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), such establishments frequently serve as fronts for:
Laundering proceeds from drug trafficking and smuggling;
Exploitation of illegal migrants (including modern slavery);
Large-scale sale of illegal vapes, tobacco, and counterfeit goods.
The new unit, to be led by the NCA, will receive an additional 75 officers. They will operate in “hotspot” areas — Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Essex, and Kent — working in close collaboration with police, Trading Standards, HMRC, and immigration services. Regular raids, account freezes, business closures, and asset seizures are planned.
The decision follows a series of large-scale operations — including Operation Machinize in 2025 — during which hundreds of premises were inspected. Police identified the systematic use of barbershops, vape shops, and nail salons to launder billions of pounds in criminal proceeds. The illegal vape and tobacco black market is estimated to exceed £6 billion per year, with approximately £1 billion in dirty money laundered through such businesses annually.
Business representatives have welcomed the measures, but caution that it is important not to harm legitimate small shop owners. The opposition is calling for even tougher action, including streamlined closure powers for suspicious premises and harsher penalties — up to 5 years in prison for owners who use businesses for criminal activity.
The new unit is expected to become fully operational within the coming months. It is anticipated to significantly increase pressure on organised crime hiding behind ordinary services on Britain’s high streets.