Seven arrested in raids on Norfolk high street businesses linked to crime network
Officials targeted shops suspected of money laundering and illegal working
Seven people have been arrested following a series of raids on high street businesses across Norfolk believed to be connected to criminal activity.
The operation was part of a National Crime Agency-coordinated initiative to clamp down on money laundering and criminal use of high street businesses.
Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards worked alongside Norfolk Police and other agencies to target cash-intensive premises, suspected of being involved in the grey economy.
Over several days last month, enforcement teams visited 18 businesses, including hand car washes, mini-marts, barber shops, and cafés, across the county.
As a result, seven arrests were made by Immigration Enforcement officers for illegal working and overstaying.
Efforts to tackle criminal networks
Speaking about the operation, Detective Sergeant Martyn Laycock said: “This operation shows that criminality is being carried out in plain sight on our high streets. These businesses are embedded in our communities, and we are all at risk of inadvertently supporting these operations without being able to spot the signs.
“Indicators shops may be involved in the grey economy include businesses that only accept cash or prominently advertise a preference for cash payments, frequent changes in the business name despite no change in ownership or management, one dominant staff member handling all communication while others appear reluctant to engage, and gatherings of people not related to the shop’s core business.”
National results and government response
Nationwide raids targeting high street businesses connected to organised crime groups have led to more than 920 arrests, according to government figures.
Authorities issued over 340 notices for illegal working and renting and seized £10.7m worth of criminal assets, including illegal tobacco, vapes, cash, and drugs.
More than 450 businesses have been referred to Companies House for further investigation, and the government has increased raids on businesses by 51 per cent this year.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government has “seized millions of pounds worth of unlicensed goods, banned dodgy directors and removed more than 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK.”
Businesses found employing workers illegally could face fines of up to £60,000 per person.