National police operation targeting the money laundering funding organised crime

Police across England and Wales have been taking part in dedicated operations targeting those using money laundering to fund wider serious and organised crime like drug and firearm supply, child exploitation, human trafficking, and modern slavery.

During the operation, criminal networks involved in money laundering were targeted by police and partner agencies, who focused resources to tackling large-scale illegal operations who use this tactic as a way of ‘cleaning’ their illicit income.

Money laundering often exploits vulnerable people including young students to act as money mules – using violence and intimidation to manipulate and control victims.

The operation is the second iteration of Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting the criminal exploitation of high street businesses.  

Nationally:

• 2734 premises visited and raided
• 924 individuals arrested
• Over £10.7m of suspected criminal proceeds seized
• Over £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed

Find out what happened in your region below:

North East 

• 136 premises visited
• 39 arrests
• Almost £280K worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco seized
• Shatter factory disruption worth £120K

NEROCU Detective Inspector Tommy Maughan, has praised the co-ordinated activity and reminds criminals that it will continue.

He said: “This national operation is back again and has been another huge success nationally and regionally here in the North East. It continues to disrupt and dismantle a serious and organised crime by going after the money.

“We’re cutting off the illicit funds of these organised gangs and once again showing them crime doesn’t pay as long as we’re around.

“Activity like this doesn’t just take place during intensification periods, it is always ongoing, and police forces and partners in our region remain dedicated to tackling all forms of serious and organised crime in order to safeguard the vulnerable, protect victims and communities and bring justice to those exploiting others and committing crime.”

South East

• 52 visits coordinated​
• 1 warrant executed  with 5 arrests across the month of action(inc. immigration) ​
• 11 fraud referrals by DWP ​
• £65 000 worth of tobacco / vapes seized  ​
• £280 000 civil penalties issued by Immigration

South West

In the South West, the ROCU worked with forces to develop intelligence, coordinate partner agencies and provide teams to support multi-agency visits.

This led to visits at businesses across the region, including in Bristol, Wiltshire and Dorset.

West Midlands

• 107 businesses visited
• Over £360,000 in suspected criminal proceeds seized
• 10 individuals arrested in connection with immigration offences

Anyone with information about criminal activity, can contact their local police force online or via 101.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org