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During a recent nationwide police operation targeting organised immigration crime and illegal trade, authorities across the UK arrested over 300 individuals. Among those detained were 57 migrants who had entered the country by crossing the Channel in small boats. The crackdown, conducted over five days from June 15 to June 20, also resulted in significant seizures, including more than £1 million in cash.
In addition to the cash confiscated, police uncovered illegal tobacco products, vapes, and cigarettes with a combined street value exceeding £700,000. Other items seized during the operation included vehicles, drugs, and electric bikes. The enforcement efforts focused on various premises such as barbershops, vape shops, car washes, food production facilities, and nail salons. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) emphasized that these types of businesses are frequently exploited by criminal groups to hide illegal employment activities, exploit vulnerable migrant workers, and launder criminal proceeds.
Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, described the initiative as an example of “targeted collaboration between the police, immigration enforcement and other partners.” The operation saw cooperation among the majority of UK police forces working alongside agencies including Immigration Enforcement, the Home Office, and Trading Standards. In total, 362 arrests were made during the crackdown.
The NPCC’s Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, who leads the organised immigration crime domestic taskforce, highlighted the coordinated approach. She stated, “This multi-agency activity sends a clear message to organised crime gangs that law enforcement agencies are working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities, and to bring offenders to justice.” Discussions are also underway regarding the introduction of civil penalties aimed at business owners and others involved in employing migrants illegally. This operation follows the launch of a £30 million High Street organised crime unit initiated in May in response to investigations into illegal mini-marts, vape shops, and barbershops. As of June, migrant arrivals via small boats stood at 11,638 for the year, representing a 37% decrease compared to the same period in 2025
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