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£500K seized in crackdown on businesses used for money laundering


We recently targeted efforts to combat criminal gangs using businesses as fronts for fraud, money laundering, and the sale of illicit goods.

As part of the operation, 33 warrants were executed across our three counties, focusing on gangs exploiting businesses to conceal illegal cash flow. While these businesses appeared legitimate, they were, in reality, tools for financial crime.

Working alongside Trading Standards, West Midlands Fire and Rescue, Immigration, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, we seized over £500,000 in illegal funds and £16,000 in cash and arrested four individuals. Additionally, Trading Standards carried out three warrants, and Immigration made three further arrests.

West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit is leading the way nationally in tackling financial crime. Since April 2024, over £6 million in criminal assets have been seized, disrupting the financial networks that support organised crime.

Our efforts to combat economic crime fall under Operation Target, which focuses on four key areas:

  • Pursue – Prosecuting and disrupting those involved in serious organised crime.

  • Prevent – Stopping individuals from becoming involved in organised crime.

  • Protect – Strengthening defences against organised crime threats.

  • Prepare – Reducing the impact of organised crime when it occurs.

  • If you have any information about businesses involved in fraud, money laundering, or the sale of illicit goods, please report it online, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online. 


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    Message Sent By
    Joseph Bradley
    (Police, PCSO, Shrewsbury Town Centre)

    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials