PSNI joins UK-wide crackdown on criminal exploitation of high street businesses

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Organised Crime Branch have taken part in a major UK-wide crackdown on organised crime groups exploiting high street businesses, as part of the second phase of Operation Machinize.

The National Crime Agency (NCA)-led initiative, supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), brought together police forces and partner agencies across the UK for a month-long intensified period of action throughout October.

The operation focuses on disrupting criminal networks that use cash-intensive businesses as fronts for illegal activities and illicit financial gain.

Significant seizures across Northern Ireland

During the targeted activity, PSNI officers seized:

• Over £425,000 in cash

• More than £41,600 worth of drugs

• Over £18,000 worth of counterfeit goods

• 20,000 cigarettes

• Over £110,000 in suspected criminal finances frozen

• Six searches conducted under warrant

• One arrest and two Community Resolution Notices issued

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Neill, Head of the Organised Crime Branch, said the operation highlights the PSNI’s commitment to protecting communities and tackling criminals who exploit legitimate businesses.

“We are determined to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups who continue to exploit the communities they live in for their own financial gain and this intensification period allows us to focus our efforts, and target businesses in Northern Ireland that are being used as cover for a range of criminality.”

She added that the concentrated action also helps address wider social harms.

“This targeted activity also enables us to reduce any associated antisocial behaviour, keeping our communities safer, and safeguarding vulnerable people who are being exploited.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Neill emphasised that work against organised crime continues year-round:

“Our investigations into organised crime are ongoing throughout the year and our work won’t end with the culmination of this phase of Operation Machinize. However, by highlighting this intensified period of activity, we can help ensure the serious issue of criminal finance is firmly at the forefront of the public’s minds.

“The initiative emphasises concerted efforts to tackle and disrupt the activities of criminals, not just here in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partner agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and the Environmental Health Department in our collective determined efforts to crackdown on fraudulent activities.”

She also appealed directly to the public:

“We also rely upon the support of members of the public, and I’m keen to take every opportunity to urge anyone with information or concerns, to please speak to us. You can call us on 101 or contact, with total anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Support from HMRC

Kevin Hubbard, Director of Individual and Small Business Compliance at HM Revenue and Customs, said the joint approach is essential for ensuring a fair business environment.

“We are determined to allow honest businesses to thrive which is why it’s crucial we work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the PSNI, to take action against any business that we suspect are undermining the tax system.

“The majority pay the tax that is due, but we will pursue those who refuse to play by the rules.”

UK-wide impact

Across the UK, Operation Machinize generated substantial results, with police forces and partner agencies making 924 arrests, seizing over £10.7 million in criminal proceeds, and destroying more than £2.7 million worth of illicit commodities.

The PSNI says its involvement is part of an ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime networks that use local high streets as a gateway for wider criminality.