A major crackdown on high street crime saw officers deployed in Spalding as part of a national operation.
Led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Operation Machinize involved every UK police force in the country.
In Lincolnshire, the operation was coordinated by Det Insp Paul Sands.
“The key to tackling crime of this nature (money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses) lies in strong collaboration with our partners and our communities.
“By consistently disrupting these networks, we send a clear message: a criminal activity will not go unchecked in Lincolnshire and we remain committed to using every legal tool available to dismantle illicit operations at every level.”
He added that there will be a series of ‘exciting updates on the outstanding results from this operation.’
During the operation, which ran throughout October, officers were joined by Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs.
In total 2,734 premises were raided with 924 arrests made.
More than £10m of suspected criminal proceeds were seized and more than £2.7m of illicit commodities were destroyed.
“This is the largest operation of its kind, focused on rooting out the economic crime and grey economy that makes hour high streets less safe and prosperous,” said a statement from the NCA. It estimates at least £12bn of criminal cash is generated in this country each year.
Among businesses targeted were mini-marts, barbershops, vape shops, nail bars and car washes.
