Organised Crime: Retail Trade
Commons · Question 4665 · Tabled 29 May 2026 · Home Office · Official record
Answered 3 Jun 2026
Question
Asked by James McMurdock
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Home Office’s press release entitled New high street unit set up in nationwide blitz on dodgy shops, published on 19 May 2026, what safeguards will be in place to prevent legitim
Answer
Answered by Sarah Jones, 3 Jun 2026
The Home Office does not hold current data on the number of illegitimate businesses operating in Basildon, Thurrock and Essex. However, the National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion is being laundered through rogue barber shops, vape stores...