More than 60 premises targeted across Cheshire as part of NCA-coordinated crackdown

Throughout March officers from Cheshire Police have taken part in Op Machinize, a national operation targeting barbershops and other cash-intensive businesses.

Cash-intensive businesses such as barbershops, vape shops, nail bars and car washes are often used by criminals to conceal the origins of illicit cash.

Crime gangs use them to enter cash into the financial system, mixing legitimate funds with criminal profits to hinder subsequent law enforcement investigations. They are known to buy such businesses using the proceeds of crime, which provides them with a legitimate income and opportunities for money laundering.

As part of the operation, officers from the Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) and the Foreign National Offender Teams at Cheshire Police worked alongside colleagues from trading standards, Immigration and HMRC.

In total, 66 premises were visited, with officers engaging with more than 100 individuals - who were checked for any outstanding offences, immigration status and potential modern slavery risk.

Three arrests were made as part of the operation, with further individuals and premises identified by Immigration and HMRC.

A number of premises suspected of being linked to human trafficking, Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime were also identified during the operation. Intelligence development for these premises is now ongoing and will result in Modern Day Slavery investigations.

A significant seizure of illegal vapes was made at one premises and the investigation has been referred to Trading Standards.

Detective Sergeant Rich Garrett, from the PVP Exploitation Team at Cheshire Police, said:

“We work hard to tackle criminals operating in our communities and Operation Machinize demonstrates just some of the work that we do day in, day out.

“While many of these businesses are operating legitimately and within the law, we have seen links to drug trafficking and distribution, organised immigration crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, firearms, and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

 “I hope that the results from this operation will provide some reassurance to our communities and also act as a warning to those who are considering taking part in this type of activity.”