Organised crime gangs using staggering number of UK vape and candy shops as fronts, warns Trading Standards report
Organized crime groups are suspected of operating in up to half of convenience stores and e-cigarette retailers in some parts of the UK, according to a new report from Trading Standards.
Hidden in Plain Sight The report also suggests that a third of confectionery stores in America and a quarter of fast food restaurants in certain areas may be fronts for illegal activity.
A survey carried out by the organization found a staggering 97 per cent of its officers were aware of suspected criminal operations at retail premises on local high streets.
There is “nearly universal agreement” from 99 percent of civil servants that there has been a significant increase in the opening of cash-intensive businesses since 2020.
Meanwhile, almost three quarters (72 per cent) of Trading Standards professionals reported that they had faced intimidation or threats of violence while carrying out their duties.
Trading Standards has published a list of 10 towns and cities considered hotspots for organized crime groups, alongside a map identifying streets full of so-called dodgy shops across the UK; Birmingham, Liverpool and London top the list.
It was also stated that Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) services have faced budget cuts of up to 50 per cent over the last decade, resulting in staffing levels being reduced to the bare minimum.
Trading Standards warned that this, combined with resource “challenges” for other key enforcement agencies, including the police, coincided with the rapid spread of dodgy shops across the UK and the complex criminal networks that underpin them.
Dodgy stores have had a “profound impact” on the safety of the public and the viability of legitimate businesses around them, while putting the health of consumers, including children, at risk.
These stores were often associated with crimes such as anti-social behaviour, theft and violent crime, drug supply, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation.
The report outlined a 10-point plan to “take back the UK’s high streets”, including an additional £20 million to invest in Trading Standards, making the sale of illicit goods a trigger for licensing scrutiny and bolstering Trading Standards resources for ports and borders.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “This research makes clear that serious and organized crime is widespread across the UK and that the threat posed by illegitimate high street businesses has a significant impact on the operation of Trading Standards and our ability to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for legitimate business.
“Local Government Trading Standards services have faced damaging funding cuts of up to 50 per cent over the last decade, with key implementing partners facing similar resourcing challenges.
“We recognize the Government is focused on this issue, but it must urgently bring together and appropriately invest in enforcement bodies, including Local Government Trading Standards, to give us the power and resources needed to tackle a widespread and growing national problem.”
Ed Woodall, chief executive of the Convenience Stores Association, said: “Responsible grocery retailers are deeply disturbed by fraudulent traders operating with impunity in their local areas.
“Eighty-five per cent of retailers asked in our 2026 Crime Survey said illegal trade was increasing in their area – this cannot be allowed to continue.
“We have consistently called for Trading Standards to be given the resources they need to tackle communities disrupting a dangerous and growing illicit market across the UK.
“Tens of millions of pounds need to be invested in local enforcement capacity to shut down these rogue traders and support responsible retailers who suffer as a result.”
