2FIRSTS | UK HMRC Urges Public to Report Suspicious Vape Shops in Crackdown on Tax Fraud, Money Laundering and Illicit Tobacco Sales
HMRC urges public to report suspicious vape and high‑street shops for tax fraud, money laundering and illicit tobacco sales, planning 30,000 interventions in 2026‑27.Summary
HMRC urges the public to report suspicious high‑street businesses, especially vape shops, barber shops, convenience stores and sweet shops, for tax fraud, money laundering and illicit tobacco or vape sales, allowing informants to stay anonymous. HMRC plans more than 30,000 interventions in 2026‑27, including unannounced visits, tax and organised‑crime investigations, seizures and warning letters. A High Street Organised Crime Unit launched in May with £30 million funding coordinates enforcement with police, the NCA and Trading Standards, and supports around 350 new criminal investigators focusing on harmful high‑street premises. Recent actions in London seized 289 disposable vapes and examined till data, while new vape retail rules taking effect on 29 Oct 2026 tighten age checks, ban giveaways and large discounts, reinforcing the crackdown on illegal activity.
(Source：2Firsts)
