29 October 2025 , 19:42
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Police forced entry into two properties in Digbeth following reports of illegal money-laundering operations.
Four people have been arrested after imitation firearms and suspected drugs were seized during Birmingham city centre police raids.
Officers forced entry into two properties in Digbeth after reports of illegal money-laundering operations occurring in the area.
Three imitation firearms and 20 bottles of illegally-imported alcohol were confiscated.
A significant amount of suspected Class-A drugs were also confiscated, police reported.
Four people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to distribute.
West Midlands Police Chief Inspector John Askew, who managed the operation, said: "This was an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected money laundering in Birmingham.
"Often, we see organized crime groups use cash-only businesses as a means of filtering through the proceeds of crime in a manner which appears legitimate.
"This can include money made from drug dealing, extortion, and human trafficking.
"While the majority of cash-only businesses are entirely legitimate, it’s important for people to pause and consider whether there is anything suspicious occurring when using these services.
"Thanks to reports from the public and information we receive, we’re able to build a clearer picture of where and when this kind of activity happens, which helps us take decisive action sooner."
Cash-intensive businesses such as barbershops, vape shops, nail bars, American-themed sweet shops, and car washes are sometimes used by criminals to conceal the origins of illicit cash, the force stated.
The operation was executed by Operation Fearless officers in support of Op Machinize - a series of operations led by the National Crime Agency targeting financial crime and money laundering.
World Affairs Correspondent