NCA Raids Turkish Barber Shops Over Money Laundering Fears
Authorities across the UK have launched a crackdown on Turkish-style barber shops suspected of being fronts for organized crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking. The raids, carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA) alongside HM Revenue & Customs and immigration enforcement, have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of large sums of cash.
The investigation was sparked by concerns over the rapid growth of Turkish barber shops in the UK, with over 18,000 now operating—an increase of more than 50% since 2018. Many of these businesses operate on a cash-only basis, raising red flags for financial crime experts who noted discrepancies between their declared income and actual customer traffic.
Officials suspect that criminal organizations are using these barbershops to launder illicit funds, often employing undocumented workers in the process. Some locations are believed to be hubs for drug distribution, with undercover officers reporting suspicious activities linked to organized gangs.
While many Turkish barber shops are legitimate businesses, authorities emphasize the need for greater scrutiny. “We are not targeting hardworking, law-abiding business owners,” said an NCA spokesperson. “However, we will not tolerate criminal enterprises hiding behind the guise of local businesses.”
The issue has also gained political traction, with Reform UK calling for a crackdown on cash-only barber shops. Party leader Richard Tice pointed to the disproportionate number of these establishments on high streets, suggesting that many are engaged in financial crimes.
Business owners in the Turkish community have expressed concerns over being unfairly targeted. “There are plenty of legitimate barbers working hard every day,” said one shop owner in London. “The authorities should focus on criminals, not paint all of us with the same brush.”
As investigations continue, the government is expected to introduce stricter regulations on cash-based businesses and increase financial oversight. The crackdown serves as a warning to illicit operators while aiming to protect law-abiding businesses from unfair suspicion.
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