UK Police Arrest 362 and Seize £1 Million in 5-Day Immigration Crime Crackdown
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
UK Police Arrest 362 and Seize £1 Million in 5-Day Immigration Crime Crackdown
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
Summary
A five-day UK operation from June 15 to June 20 led to 362 arrests, including 57 migrants who had crossed the Channel by boat, in a sweep targeting organised immigration crime and illegal trade.
Police seized more than £1 million in cash and over £700,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes, along with cars, drugs and e-bikes.
The raids focused on premises such as barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production sites and nail salons that police say gangs use to hide illegal working, exploit migrants and launder criminal proceeds.
Most UK police forces joined the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards in the operation, while officials said civil penalties for businesses linked to illegal working are also being considered.
The crackdown follows May's launch of a £30 million High Street organised crime unit and comes as small-boat arrivals to the UK reached 11,638 by June 26, 37% below the same point in 2025.