NCA Raids Barber Shops Linked to Crime Networks

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched a crackdown on Turkish-style barber shops across the UK, suspecting them of being fronts for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. Over the past month, multiple raids have resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of tens of thousands of pounds. These barber shops, often cash-only businesses, have been linked to organised crime, with many operated by individuals from Albanian and Kurdish backgrounds. The increase in these establishments, with over 750 new openings last year, has raised suspicions due to discrepancies between declared profits and actual customer numbers. The NCA's operations have involved cooperation with local police, HM Revenue and Customs, and immigration enforcement. This investigation highlights the use of cash-intensive businesses by criminals to disguise illicit profits.