War declared on 'dodgy' vape and barbers shops as crime gangs take over UK high streets
Police and councils will gain new powers to shut down 'dodgy' vape shops, barbers, and nail salons to stop organized crime gangs laundering money on high streets.Summary
The UK government is launching a crackdown on organized crime gangs that are hijacking high streets by using legitimate businesses like vape shops, barbers, and nail salons as fronts for money laundering. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new laws that will allow police and local councils to close these businesses for up to 12 months, giving investigators time to gather evidence and prosecute the criminals involved. The National Crime Agency has warned that there are likely thousands of such shops engaged in criminal activities. The Hair and Barber Council has expressed concern that legitimate barbers are being forced out of business by these criminal outlets. The crackdown includes a £30 million investment for police and Trading Standards to raid thousands of businesses and a review of the skilled-worker sponsorship list to prevent criminals from obtaining visas through these fronts.
(Source：Daily Express)
