ROCUs support organised immigration crackdown on UK high streets

ROCUs across the country have supported a nation-wide crackdown on organised immigration crime across the UK.

Dozens of suspects who entered the UK on small boats were arrested during an opeartion by police and Immigration Enforcement which saw more than 360 arrests.

Officers also seized over £1m in cash, over £700,000 in illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes, 92 cars and 31 e-bikes.

The intelligence-led operation, orchestrated by the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, saw the National Police Chiefs’ Council working closely with police forces alongside agencies including the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards.

Between 15 June and 20 June, the operation focused on disrupting activity linked to organised immigration crime at premises such as barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production, and nail salons.

Criminal gangs often target these businesses as they provide opportunities to conceal illegal working, to exploit vulnerable migrants, and to launder proceeds of crime.

The operation included:

• Involvement from 39 police forces and 177 deployments across the UK, with activity based on Home Office and local force intelligence.
• Law enforcement partners from the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, National Crime Agency, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Fair Work Agency, Department of Work and Pension, and charities including GAIN and Justice and Care.
• Visits to 911 businesses/premises by police and Immigration Enforcement.
• Over 4,000 encounters with individuals at premises visited.
• Over 1,000 vehicles stopped.

Results included:

• 362 arrests, of which 269 were related to immigration offences.
• Over £1m in cash seized.
• Over £700,000 (street value) of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes seized.
• 73 civil penalty referral notices issued to businesses, carrying a maximum possible penalty of £60,000 per illegal worker.
• £131,000 (street value) of drugs seized.
• 92 cars and 31 e-bikes and scooters seized.

Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, DCC Wendy Gunney, said:

“Thanks to the collective power of police and Home Office organised immigration crime intelligence, we have been able to target businesses on our high streets involved in money laundering, drug trafficking and distribution, modern slavery and human trafficking.  “This multi-agency activity sends a clear message to organised crime gangs that law enforcement agencies are working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities, and to bring offenders to justice. "Over one week alone, collective efforts have led to more than 350 arrests, £1m in cash seized along with over £700,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes. We are also in the process of considering civil penalties as we have targeted business owners, their business models and those connected with employing migrants through illegal working.  “We will not tolerate exploitation within the UK, and we are determined to target the business owners who openly encourage this. “Organised immigration crime is often hidden in plain sight, and we are urging the public to report anything that doesn’t feel right in businesses on their streets, or if they are concerned about someone’s welfare. “Reporting can help protect people and catch those responsible by supporting police to gather intelligence that builds a picture of what is happening in our communities. “We take all information from the public seriously and will act upon it. You can raise concerns by contacting your local police force online or by calling 101, or report via the Home Office endorsed charity Stop the Traffick.”

Results across the ROCUs included: