Key Takeaway
Research shows firms are branded as beauty and convenience but apparently operate in money-laundering and terrorist financing sectorsUp to £464m has “moved through” more than 3,000 UK shell companies branded as beauty and convenience stores but apparently operating in the money-laundering and terrorist financing sectors, a new analysis sets out. The companies – listed as hairdressers, barber shops and salons…
Published August 24, 2026 · Category: News
Overview
Research shows firms are branded as beauty and convenience but apparently operate in money-laundering and terrorist financing sectors
Up to £464m has “moved through” more than 3,000 UK shell companies branded as beauty and convenience stores but apparently operating in the money-laundering and terrorist financing sectors, a new analysis sets out.
Details
The companies – listed as hairdressers, barber shops and salons, on the one hand, or mini-marts and corner shops on the other – show “remarkably similar lifespans” of about six months despite their seemingly different purposes.
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Source
Originally published at www.theguardian.com.
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What is "Up to £464m ‘moved through more than 3,000 UK high street shell companies’" about?+
Research shows firms are branded as beauty and convenience but apparently operate in money-laundering and terrorist financing sectorsUp to £464m has “moved through” more than 3,000 UK shell companies branded as beauty and convenience stores but apparently operating in the money-laundering and terrorist financing sectors, a new analysis sets out.The companies – listed as hairdressers, barber shops and salons, on the one hand, or mini-marts and corner shops on the other – show “remarkably similar
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This story was reported by The Guardian World.