More than 300 were arrested for organized immigration crime

Police have arrested more than 300 people across the UK, including 57 migrants who crossed the Channel by boat to protest illegal trade and organized immigration crime.

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

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

The operation is focused on fighting crime involving barbershops, vape shops, car washes, food factories and nail salons – such businesses, according to the NPCC, are often targeted by criminal gangs because they are “used to hide illegal work, exploit vulnerable migrants and generate the proceeds of crime”.

The operation involved most of the UK’s police forces working with agencies including the Home Office, immigration enforcement and trading standards. A total of 362 people were arrested.

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

of It comes after a new £30m High Street organized crime unit was announced in May. Following a BBC News investigation into illegal mini-marts, vape shops and barbershops.

As of June 26, 11,638 had arrived in the UK on small boats this year – a figure which was the highest in 2018. In 2025, it is 37 percent less than the same period.

“This multi-agency operation sends a clear message to organized crime groups that law enforcement agencies are working together to crack down on the illegal trade in our communities and bring perpetrators to justice,” said DCC Wendy Gunney, head of the Organized Immigration Crime Domestic Task Force.

The director added that civil penalties related to illegal employment of immigrants and business owners are also being considered.