Understand
Suspected crime gang cash and illicit tobacco seized in Swindon shop raids
Overview
Wiltshire Police raided five shops in Swindon as part of a crackdown on money laundering and organised crime, seizing £2,000 in suspected criminal cash and nearly 90,000 illicit tobacco sticks with an estimated retail value of £74,721.
Key points
- Wiltshire Police executed search warrants at five shops in Swindon as part of Operation Machinize.
- Officers seized £2,000 in suspected criminal cash and 89,205 illicit tobacco sticks.
- The seized tobacco has an estimated retail value of £74,721, and criminal investigations are ongoing.
- Police stated that organised crime gangs use businesses such as vape shops, barber shops, and mini-markets to launder money and fund criminal lifestyles.
- The operations target illicit cash, goods, and exploited illegal workers on high streets.