NCA News & Analysis
4 articles
Market Mood
TfL Cyber Attack: Hacked by Known Criminals Flowers and Jubair
In September 2024, Flowers and Jubair, known members of the Scattered Spider cyber-crime collective, were linked to a cyber-attack on Transport for London (TfL) that began on August 31. Flowers was already on police radar, initially caught for low-level cyber-crime shortly after turning 16. Authorities seized multiple devices during his arrest and discovered cryptocurrency holdings valued in millions. Jubair, with 22 prior convictions, received a Youth Rehabilitation Order in 2023 for offenses tied to the Lapsus$ hacking group, including targeting Nvidia and BT/EE.
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UK High Streets: Over 3600 Shops Linked to Illegal Goods in 2024-25
In 2024-25, Freedom of Information requests revealed over 3,600 shops in the UK had illegal goods seized, including counterfeit cigarettes and vapes. The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion is laundered annually through these high street stores. Investigative reports uncovered organized crime networks selling illegal tobacco and operating behind 'ghost directors.' Such revelations indicate a troubling trend for UK High Streets, reflecting broader economic issues such as income growth and inequality, potentially influencing voter behavior. This criminal activity raises significant concerns about safety and trust within local communities.
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UK Police Call for Under-16s to Be Blocked from 6 High-Risk Features
UK police chiefs, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), reported 92,000 potential child sexual abuse activity cases in 2025, emphasizing the need for blocking access to certain online features for under-16s. The NCA and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) advocate for bans on apps that have high-risk features like private messaging and unrestricted adult contact. The government supports these measures and is consulting on regulations to enhance child safety online. Concerns have grown over the increasing severity of these offenses involving younger children, highlighting a pressing need for stricter online regulations.
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New £30m High Street Crime Unit Launches to Combat Gangs
The UK government announced a £30 million High Street organized crime unit to target illegal activities linked to shops, following a BBC investigation. The National Crime Agency (NCA) will receive £20 million of the funding and allocate 75 new police officers to key regions including Greater Manchester, West Midlands, Essex, and Kent. The government estimates that £1 billion of criminal cash is laundered annually through High Street stores. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted plans for extensive law enforcement actions, including shop raids and extended closure orders for criminal businesses.
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