Stories

Mon, 18 May 2026

Mon, 18 May 2026 New High Street crime unit to target gangs fronting shops after BBC investigation

It follows BBC News exposing drug gangs, money laundering, immigration crime, and ghost directors linked to shop fronts.
The UK government has announced a new £30 million High Street Organised Crime Unit, aimed at tackling illicit activities and criminal networks operating in high streets across the country. The unit, run by the National Crime Agency (NCA), will focus on areas such as money laundering, child exploitation, and immigration crime. BBC investigative reporting over the past year has exposed widespread corruption and organised crime on UK high streets, with reports of drug gangs, fake goods, tax evasion, and illegal working. The government estimates that at least £1 billion is laundered through High Street stores each year, with a further £6 billion generated from counterfeit tobacco sales annually. A review will be conducted to strengthen law enforcement powers and extend the length of closure orders for businesses found to be operating illegally. The CTSI has suggested cuts to trading standards resources contributed to the rise in organised crime on high streets. The NCA reports that over 12 months, they have arrested 950 people and seized goods worth £10 million as part of ongoing investigations into High Street organised crime. The new unit will help disrupt more "high harm offenders" and target those operating at a national level. CTSI Chief Executive John Herriman said the funding is a step towards addressing the problem but that more resources are needed to tackle the issue effectively. The Tories accused Labour of doing damage to high streets, while Chris Philp MP stated that there were fewer police officers under the current government and more "anti-business legislation".