£100k Cash Seized as Police Crack Down on Dirty Money in West London
The Met Police and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have launched a major crackdown on shady Money Service Businesses (MSBs) in west London this week. In a coordinated blitz with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 12 warrants targeted MSBs suspected of laundering cash from drug gangs.
Dirty Deals Exposed in Multi-Agency Raid
Cash handovers, illegal trading, and breaches of money laundering laws were uncovered during the operation. Some MSBs were found operating without HMRC registration. Now, penalties and possible criminal charges are piling up.
Officers also checked 40 other money service outlets to ensure compliance, handing out advice on how to dodge becoming a money mule for criminals.
Midweek Sting Nets £100,000 Cash and Arrests
On Wednesday 3 July, police swooped in Central London to stop a cash handover linked to an unregistered MSB. Two men were arrested on the spot and charged under the Proceeds of Crime Act for handling £100k in dirty money.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mick Gallagher said: “Criminally complicit MSBs fuel serious organised crime in London. Drug dealers and thieves rely on these businesses to launder their profits — driving violence on our streets. “This operation shows the power of joint action by the MPS, HMRC and FCA to expose and shut down illegal MSBs.”
HMRC Chief Warns: Break the Rules, and We’ll Find You
Simon York, HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service Director, warned, “This is about more than rule-breaking — it’s about stopping organised criminals laundering millions. Our close work with the police and FCA shows we mean business.”
“MSBs must understand ignoring money laundering laws isn’t an option. We will track down those who flout the rules and bring them to justice.”
If you have info on illegal MSBs, call the Fraud Hotline now on 0800 788 887.
