Written question WQ98802
- Asked by
- Llŷr PowellReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Finance
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with HMRC, Trading Standards Wales, local authorities and Welsh police forces regarding concerns about potential tax evasion, money laundering, labour exploitation or other criminal activity associated with hand car washes, barber shops and vape retailers operating in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning (Siân Gwenllian)
The Welsh Government works with HMRC, Trading Standards, local authorities and police forces through established intelligence-sharing with the Wales Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN). These partnerships support the identification and disruption of organised criminality, including tax evasion, money laundering and labour exploitation linked to cash-intensive businesses.
The WG Head of Counter Fraud, is communicating with UK Home Office on a new High Street Organised Crime Unit, to strengthen response to economic crime. Welsh partners are aware of this initiative, including opportunities for collaboration and funding to support enforcement.