New High Street crime unit to target gangs fronting shops after BBC investigation
The UK government has announced a new £30 million High Street organised crime unit following a BBC investigation into illegal activities linked to shops. The initiative aims to combat drug gangs, money laundering, and other criminal activities that have infiltrated High Streets across the country. Law enforcement will include raids, closures, and increased funding for police and trading standards to address these issues over the next three years.
- ▪The new crime unit will be overseen by the National Crime Agency and will operate for three years.
- ▪£20 million will be allocated to the NCA, with additional funding for trading standards and other enforcement agencies.
- ▪The initiative follows a year-long BBC investigation that uncovered serious crimes linked to High Street shops.
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New High Street crime unit to target gangs fronting shops after BBC investigation7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEd Thomas,UK editor,Patrick ClahaneandRebecca WearnWatch: Shops selling illegal tobacco on a Newport high street make locals feel unsafeA new £30m High Street organised crime unit has been announced by the government after the BBC's year-long investigative reporting into illegal mini-marts, vape shops and barbers.Over 12 months BBC News exposed drug gangs, child sexual exploitation reports, money laundering, immigration crime, and ghost directors linked to shop fronts selling illegal cigarettes and illegal vapes.The law enforcement response will be run across the UK by the National Crime Agency (NCA) over the next three years - with a cash boost for trading…
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