Authorities in south London conducted a significant operation targeting illegal sales at a shop specializing in electronic goods, including vapes and purported Apple products. The Metropolitan Police, along with HM Revenue and Customs, the local authority, and Trading Standards, executed this raid as part of Operation Machinize 2, which aims to address issues related to high street crime and businesses allegedly involved in money laundering.
The shop under investigation was one of six in close proximity being monitored for several months. Previous independent lab tests on products purchased from the shop indicated a high risk of electrical hazards, including potential electrocution and fire. Following a June law prohibiting the sale of single-use vapes, many products on the premises were deemed illegal.
During the operation, police seized £10.7 million in suspected illegal proceeds and over 111,000 illegal vapes, among other illicit items. A significant finding included counterfeit Apple products, with all serial numbers on the items matched, indicating the goods were not genuine. Inspector Oliver Lamb highlighted previous interventions at the same locations that had failed to prevent the restocking of illegal items.
While some community members expressed frustration with the police presence, others appeared indifferent to the events. Reports from nearby retailers indicated that illegal sales, particularly to minors, were a recurring issue at the shop. The National Crime Agency, which collaborated on the operation, stated that the removals of such establishments are intended to discourage further illegal activity while encouraging legitimate businesses to occupy the space.
Operation Machinize 2 is noted as the largest of its kind targeting the grey economy, resulting in the destruction of an estimated £2.7 million worth of illicit goods and multiple businesses flagged for further investigation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/11/success-is-shutting-them-down-met-police-in-fight-against-vape-and-phone-shops