Counterfeit items have been confiscated, and several people were taken into custody following raids on barbershops throughout southwest England.
In Gloucestershire, authorities apprehended five individuals following operations conducted at 11 locations by various law enforcement agencies. Over 130 counterfeit designer bags were confiscated in Bristol.
This operation is part of a three-week national anti-money laundering initiative by the National Crime Agency (NCA) known as Operation Machinize .
“Activities such as these aim to convey a strong message that our high streets should not be used as hiding spots in public view,” stated Detective Sergeant Adrian Bray from the South West Regional Organized Crime Unit (SWROCU).
In an operation, law enforcement apprehended a 40-year-old male suspected of fraud following raids at two barbershops located on Barton Street in Gloucester. The individual has since been freed from custody but remains subject to bail conditions as the inquiry continues.
A second individual was detained due to violations of immigration laws at a location where Trading Standards officials confiscated illicit cigarettes and vaping devices.
A 24-year-old individual from Gloucester was taken into custody for suspected burglary and possession of methamphetamine. The charges against him have now been updated to include theft.
Two individuals, one 33 years old and another 18 years old, both from Gloucester, were taken into custody for suspected drug supply, specifically concerning cocaine and cannabis.
The teenager who is 18 years old has now faced charges for possessing with the intention to supply, whereas the individual aged 33 was let go pending further investigation.
'Cash-intensive businesses'
The SWROCU mentioned that they had inspected a total of 16 locations throughout the southwest region of England.
In Bournemouth, an employee was found to be working illegally at one premises and vapes were being sold illegally at another.
Premises were also visited in Swindon, Poole, Teignmouth, Saltash, Barnstaple and Braunton, they said.
"Suspects frequently utilize barbershops along with other cash-heavy enterprises such as vape stores, nail salons, American-style candy shops, and car washes for money laundering activities," stated Detective Sergeant Bray.
"Their aim is to mix legitimate funds and criminal profits to hinder investigations into their criminality.
"We know they are also adept at exploiting vulnerable people to work in their businesses."
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Related internet links
- Southwest Regionally Coordinated Crime Unit
- Gloucestershire Police
