More than 300 arrests in organised immigration crime crackdown

More than 300 people have been arrested across the UK, including 57 migrants who had crossed the Channel by boat, as part of a police crackdown on illegal trade and organised immigration crime.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said more than £1m cash was seized during the five-day operation between June 15 and June 20.

Illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes with a street value of more than £700,000 were also seized as well as cars, drugs and e-bikes.

The operation centred on tackling crime at premises that included barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production and nail salons – with the NPCC saying such businesses are often targeted by criminal gangs as they “provide opportunities to conceal illegal working, to exploit vulnerable migrants, and to launder proceeds of crime”.

The operation involved a majority of police forces across the UK working alongside agencies including the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards. A total of 362 arrests were made.

Minister for border security and asylum Alex Norris said it was an example of “targeted collaboration between the police, immigration enforcement and other partners”.

The crackdown comes after a new £30m High Street organised crime unit was announced in May following a BBC News investigation into illegal mini-marts, vape shops and barbers.

As of June 26 there had been 11,638 arrivals to the UK via small boats this year – a figure that is 37% lower than the same period in 2025.

DCC Wendy Gunney, who is the organised immigration crime domestic taskforce lead, said: “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.”

Civil penalties for business owners and those connected with employing migrants through illegal working were also being considered, she added.