Story perspectives

Woolwich Shop Holds Migrant Cash, 90% Smuggling Profits Missing

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

BBC investigators filmed Woolwich shop staff offering to hold £3,000 cash for migrants.
Smuggler “Ahmad”, who says he is Afghan, gave details of a wholesale firm and a car wash.
The National Crime Agency says only 10 % of smuggling profits have been recovered, with £2.9 million confiscated of £16 million identified since 2020.
RUSI director Tom Keatinge said using open-front businesses shows an attitude that challenges the government’s “follow the money” effort.

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Story summary

BBC investigators filmed Woolwich shop staff offering to hold £3,000 cash for migrants.
Smuggler “Ahmad”, who says he is Afghan, gave details of a wholesale firm and a car wash.
The National Crime Agency says only 10 % of smuggling profits have been recovered, with £2.9 million confiscated of £16 million identified since 2020.
RUSI director Tom Keatinge said using open-front businesses shows an attitude that challenges the government’s “follow the money” effort.