Operation tackles crime on the high street

A multi-agency operation has seized thousands of pounds worth of illegal goods from shops in Cambridgeshire.

Police teamed up with partners including local authorities and Immigration Enforcement as they visited 36 businesses who regularly handle cash.

The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and other criminality.

The three-week operation in October resulted in the seizure of more than 8,000 suspected illegal vapes, nearly 280,000 cigarettes and 20kg of hand rolled tobacco from shops in Peterborough and one in Whittlesey. More than 8,500 bottles of alcohol were also confiscated from unlicenced premises.

The total value of the goods is estimated at nearly £280,000.

As well as money laundering, the operation looked at exploitation, human trafficking, drug supply and illegal working. Six drug-related arrests were made, and investigations are ongoing.

Closure orders are being sought via a court process in relation to eleven of the shops found to be selling illegal goods.

Barber shops and hand car washes were also visited as part of the operation to identify any offending or signs of modern slavery.

The work was part of Operation Machinize 2 the National Crime Agency coordinated action to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.

Detective Inspector Shish Thind said: “This was a significant three-week partnership operation that resulted in taking a large quantity of illegal goods off the high street.

“It sends a clear message that we will not tolerate criminal activity hiding behind cash-rich businesses.

“We will continue to work with partners to tackle issues such as money laundering and exploitation to protect communities and ensure businesses operate lawfully.”

Councillor Christian Hogg, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "We are fully committed to working with our partners, including the police, to help crackdown on the sale of illegal goods in Peterborough and I would like to thank everyone involved in this successful multi-agency operation. 

 “Our utmost priority is the protection of the public who can be put at risk from illegal alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco because ingredients are not regulated properly. It’s also worth pointing out that in cases where duty hasn't been paid, legitimate businesses will be out of pocket. 

"People can make a real difference to help keep more illegal alcohol and tobacco off the streets by reporting it. We would encourage anyone who has any knowledge of suspected illegal alcohol and tobacco sales to report it to Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Trading Standards. Reports can be made anonymously.”