Almost £75,000 worth of illegal tobacco and around £2,000 in suspected criminal cash have been seized following a series of police raids across Swindon.
Wiltshire Police officers joined forces with Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and other specialist agencies on Friday 9th October, carrying out warrants at five properties across the town.
The searches, which included high street shops and residential addresses, formed part of Operation Machinize, a nationwide crackdown on money laundering and organised crime linked to cash-heavy businesses.
Officers recovered nearly 90,000 illicit tobacco sticks, with an estimated retail value of £74,700, alongside approximately £2,000 in cash suspected of being connected to criminal activity.
The operation also uncovered evidence that has led to criminal investigations being launched under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
High street businesses under scrutiny
Operation Machinize is coordinated nationally by the National Crime Agency and focuses on businesses that criminals may be using to disguise illegal earnings or support wider organised crime.
Police say certain types of premises, including barber shops, vape shops and mini markets, can be exploited by criminal gangs to move money, distribute illegal products or employ people unlawfully.
However, the operation is aimed at criminal activity rather than legitimate businesses operating in these sectors.
During the Swindon raids, officers were looking for suspected criminal cash, controlled drugs, illegal tobacco, unregulated vapes and evidence of immigration offences.
The action forms part of a longer-term effort to identify and disrupt organised criminal networks operating within local communities.
Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, who heads Wiltshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit and Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, said:
“This is a long-term sustained operation to dismantle organised crime that’s operating on our high streets.
“We know that organised criminal gangs use premises such as barber shops, vape shops, and mini markets, which sit alongside legitimate businesses.
“These are used to launder criminal proceeds, fund serious and organised crime activities, and employ illegal workers. This has a big impact on the whole community. This is a sustained problem and it needs a sustained response from police and partners.”
Investigations continue following Swindon warrants
While the seizure of almost 90,000 illegal tobacco sticks represents a significant find, police have made it clear that Operation Machinize is not a one-off exercise.
The National Crime Agency-coordinated initiative is continuing across the country, with police forces and partner organisations sharing intelligence and targeting premises where criminal activity is suspected.
Information provided by residents also plays a part in helping officers identify businesses or properties that may be linked to illegal activity.
Wiltshire Police are encouraging anyone with concerns about suspected money laundering, illegal tobacco sales or other criminal activity to report what they know.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or through the Wiltshire Police online crime reporting service.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, members of the public should always call 999.
Further details about the operation can be found in the official Wiltshire Police statement.
