questionText: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Home Office’s press release entitled New high street unit set up in nationwide blitz on dodgy shops, published on 19 May 2026, what assessment she has made of the prevalence of organised crime-linked businesses operating in Essex.
answerText: The Home Office does not hold current data on the number of illegitimate businesses operating in Basildon, Thurrock and Essex. However, the National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion is being laundered through rogue barber shops, vape stores...
heading: Organised Crime: Retail Trade