More than 300 arrests in organised immigration crime crackdown

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

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

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

The operation focused on fighting crime in facilities such as barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production and nail salons; The NPCC said such businesses are often targeted by criminal gangs as they “provide opportunities to conceal illegal work, exploit vulnerable migrants and launder the proceeds of crime”.

The operation involved most UK police forces, working alongside agencies such as the Home Office, Immigration Service and Trading Standards. A total of 362 people were arrested.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said it was an example of “targeted collaboration between police, immigration and other partners”.

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

As of June 26, 11,638 people have arrived in the UK on small boats this year; This figure is 37% lower than in the same period in 2025.

DCC Wendy Gunney, local task force leader on organized immigration crime, said: “This multi-agency activity sends a clear message to organized crime gangs that law enforcement is working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities and bring criminals to justice.”

He added that fines for business owners and those who employ immigrants illegally are also taken into consideration.