West Mercia Police Strike Hard on Illegal Waste Cash Laundering
West Mercia Police launched a major crackdown on suspected money laundering tied to the illegal waste trade. The raids led to nearly £100,000 in cash seized and two arrests.
Midlands Raids Target Multiple Addresses
On the morning of Thursday 8 January, officers hit locations across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire. Specialist economic crime teams spearheaded the operation, supported by neighbourhood policing units. Rapid entry task force officers and high-tech digital detection dogs were deployed in an aggressive push against crime.
£97,000 Cash, Firearms, and Counterfeit Goods Confiscated
- £97,000 in cash seized from various sites
- £200,000 to £300,000 frozen in suspects’ bank accounts
- Dozens of bags filled with counterfeit electrical goods uncovered
- Business materials and digital devices taken for forensic investigation
- Six firearms and an additional £18,000 cash seized in Drakes Broughton
- Suspected stolen car recovered by police
One key find was at a farm in Peopleton, Pershore, where officers discovered £60,000 in cash alongside electrical goods linked to laundering activity.
Two Men Arrested in Firearms and Money Laundering Probe
Two men were arrested near Pershore over firearm offences as part of the raids. The operation was carried out in partnership with the Environment Agency, DVSA, Wychavon District Council, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS). Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing with further enquiries planned.
“Almost £100,000 in cash was seized during warrants executed this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected money laundering linked to illegal waste activity,” confirmed West Mercia Police.
