Businesses raided and arrests made in major operation

‘THREE individuals have been apprehended following police raids on over 60 businesses in Cheshire last month as part of a massive clampdown on suspected crime.

- BY JOSH PENNINGTON

A total of 66 establishments including barbershops, vape shops, nail bars and car washes were targeted by Cheshire Police.

The extensive operation, dubbed Operation Machinize, involved questioning 55 people about their immigration status and safeguarding an additional 97 individuals in relation to potential modern slavery across the North West.

The police also confiscated more than £40,000 in cash, approximately 200,000 cigarettes, 7,000 packs of tobacco, over 8,000 illegal vapes and two vehicles from the region.

According to the NCA, crime gangs utilise these businesses to introduce cash into the financial system, blending legitimate funds with criminal profits to obstruct subsequent law enforcement investigations.