Nuthall car wash business raided as part of people smuggling investigation

The business, on Woodhouse Way in Nuthall, was one of two car washes raided in Nottinghamshire, with the other being on Beechdale Road in Aspley. A barber shop on Radford Road in Hyson Green was also raided by NCA officers, who were carrying out a series of raids in Nottingham and Kent.

Following on from the raids, NCA officers arrested two men on April 22, on suspicion of money laundering.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at an address on Bentinck Road in Radford, while a 27-year-old man was arrested at address on Harbour Way in Folkestone.

The NCA operations were supported by officers from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Police, as well as Immigration Enforcement, co-ordinated through the EMSOU Disruption Team. The criminal network under investigation by the NCA are suspected of bringing migrants into the UK illegally and then employing them in businesses around the East Midlands. Those detained remain in custody and are now being questioned by NCA investigators. The Nuthall car wash business was also issued with a civil penalty notice by Immigration Enforcement for employing an illegal worker. Craig Turner, NCA deputy director of investigations, said: “Tackling the organised criminals behind people smuggling remains a key priority for the NCA, and this is one of around 100 investigations that we currently have running into individuals or networks suspected of involvement. “These gangs exploit people for profit – whether it is through risking their safety by transporting them across the Channel in small boats, or by putting them to work in the grey economy once they’re here - and we’re determined to do all we can to stop them. “I’m extremely grateful to our law enforcement partners for their support in today’s operation, our investigation will continue.”