The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has welcomed a new report published today, entitled Hidden in Plain Sight, which lays bare the growing role of serious organised crime on UK high streets and sets out a ten-point plan for government action.

Compiled by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), the report highlights how illicit vape sales have become a key channel for organised crime groups (OCGs), with significant implications for legitimate vape retailers.

The IBVTA said it is “all too aware” of the damage such criminal activity is having on the sector’s reputation, warning that an expanding informal supply chain is undermining both compliance and consumer trust.

Illicit vape trade under scrutiny

According to the report, illegal tobacco and vape sales remain one of the most visible symptoms, costing the exchequer an estimated £1.8 billion in lost revenue in 2023/24, while also distorting fair competition for compliant retailers.

Trading Standards teams seized at least 2.2 million illegal vapes and 24.8 million illicit cigarettes in 2024/25, illustrating the scale of the challenge on the ground.

The IBVTA said the problem is being fuelled by opportunistic wholesale supply routes and a proliferation of inexperienced “pop-up” retailers, many of which have links to organised crime networks.

This parallel supply chain bypasses UK regulatory requirements, meaning products often lack traceability, quality assurance and compliance with safety standards – posing risks to consumers and legitimate retailers alike.

The report also suggests that, in some areas, up to half of mini-marts and vape shops may have links to organised crime, underlining the scale of the challenge facing enforcement bodies and compliant operators.

Trading Standards professionals have identified organised crime as the number one threat facing the profession, with 96 per cent reporting encounters with organised crime groups (OCGs) and 97 per cent aware of suspected criminal activity operating from high street shops.

Criminal operators are also using sophisticated concealment methods, including hidden storage units and off-site supply chains, making enforcement increasingly complex.

Reputational damage to legitimate sector

The IBVTA warned that the actions of criminal operators are distorting public perception of the vape category, with illegal activity often conflated with the wider, law-abiding industry.

“We commend CTSI and the ACG for putting together this report and fully endorse their ten-point plan,” IBVTA CEO Gillian Golden said.

“The media often conflate organised criminal networks with law abiding vape businesses, when in fact these criminals just see illicit vapes as a commodity in the same way as illicit tobacco or counterfeit goods. That has damaged the public’s understanding of our sector.

“We have already seen where greater inter-agency working to tackle organised crime has been successful. It would be an even greater win for legitimate businesses and consumers if the Government takes forward these recommendations.”

Call for coordinated enforcement

The Hidden in Plain Sight report estimates serious organised crime costs the UK at least £47 billion annually and warns that high street retail – particularly convenience and vape outlets – is increasingly being used as a front for illegal activity.

The report also points to the growing professionalism of criminal networks, which operate international supply chains and use UK shops as final distribution points.

High street “hot spots” for organised crime include major cities such as Birmingham, London, Manchester and Liverpool, though the issue is widespread across towns and rural areas.

Among its recommendations are increased funding for Trading Standards, stronger enforcement powers, and improved multi-agency collaboration to disrupt criminal supply chains.