HMRC is urging the public to report vape shops, barbers and other high street businesses they suspect of tax fraud as it launches a major enforcement blitz.
Shoppers are being encouraged to “shop” businesses they believe could be involved in illegal activity, with HM Revenue and Customs making it easier to report suspicious behaviour anonymously.
The crackdown will see HMRC carry out more than 30,000 interventions this year targeting tax fraud, money laundering, labour exploitation and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The tax authority’s improved Report Tax Fraud service asks members of the public to provide factual details about anything they have witnessed that appears suspicious.
That could include the behaviour of staff, the location of a business, when suspicious activity took place or concerns about money laundering and tax fraud.
Information submitted will then be assessed by HMRC enforcement teams, helping investigators identify patterns and target businesses they believe could be breaking the law.
Vape shops and barbers in spotlight
The Government says the crackdown is aimed at tackling criminal networks operating on Britain’s high streets, with vape shops, barber shops and other businesses potentially coming under scrutiny.
Chancellor John Healey is calling on people to speak up if they believe something is not right.
Newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey leaves number 11 Downing Street, London. (Image: Yui Mok)
He said: “Too many high streets have been blighted by dodgy shops that harm local communities and undercuts honest businesses.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right, like suspected tax fraud or money laundering, use HMRC’s fraud reporting service and help protect our high streets.”
Reports can be made anonymously here, meaning members of the public do not have to give their name when passing information to HMRC.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner (right) speak with police officers outside a vape shop in Ilkeston, Derbyshire (Image: Toby Shepheard/PA Wire)
30,000 HMRC interventions planned
HMRC announced in June that it would carry out more than 30,000 interventions during 2026-27 aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The crackdown is part of a wider Government push against organised crime on the high street.
A new High Street Organised Crime Unit was launched by the Home Office in May with £30 million of funding, bringing together HMRC, Trading Standards, police partners and the National Crime Agency.
The Government says information from the public will help enforcement teams build intelligence, identify links between suspicious activity and decide where to focus investigations.
For anyone who suspects a local business is involved in tax fraud, money laundering or other HMRC-related criminal activity, the message is clear: report it.
