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<\/p>\nTrading Standards have found that 97% of its officers are aware of suspected organised crime groups operating in their local shopping areas – with Glasgow named as a hotspot.<\/p>\n
Vape shops<\/a> and candy stores are being used as a major front for organised crime<\/a> on Scots high streets, experts have warned.<\/p>\n Trading Standards have found that 97% of its officers are aware of suspected organised crime groups operating in their local shopping areas.<\/p>\n As many as half of convenience stores and vape retailers in some areas are estimated to have links with organised crime, according to a Trading Standards report – with Glasgow named as Scotland\u2019s hotspot.<\/a><\/p>\n The organisation\u2019s Hidden In Plain Sight report, produced alongside the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), laid bare concerns just weeks after John Swinney signalled a crackdown on vape shops following the devastation of Glasgow\u2019s Union Street fire.<\/p>\n Edinburgh was the second biggest hotspot in Scotland for so-called dodgy shops, followed by Alloa.<\/p>\n Vape and candy shops are being linked to criminal activity on many high streets(Image: Joe Sullivan)<\/p>\n John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: \u201cIt is clear from this research that serious and organised crime is endemic across the UK, and the threat posed by illegitimate high street businesses is having a significant impact on the work of Trading Standards, and our ability to protect consumers and maintain the level playing field for legitimate business.<\/p>\n \u201cLocal Authority Trading Standards services have faced damaging funding cuts of up to 50% over the past decade, with key enforcement partners experiencing similar resourcing challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cWe recognise that the Government is focussed on this issue, but it must urgently bring together and properly invest in enforcement agencies – including Local Authority Trading Standards – to give us the powers and resources needed to tackle what is a widespread and growing national problem.\u201d<\/p>\n The report said up to a third of American candy stores and one in four fast food takeaways in specific areas are suspected of being a front for criminal activity.<\/p>\n Edinburgh was the second Scots hotspot for dodgy shops<\/p>\n It found there was also \u201calmost universal recognition\u201d – involving 99% of officers – that Trading Standards had seen an increase in the number of cash-intensive businesses opening on high streets since 2020.<\/p>\n Almost three quarters of officers, 72%, reported experiencing intimidatory behaviour or had been threatened with violence while working.<\/p>\n Trading Standards warned that funding cuts coupled with resource \u201cchallenges\u201d for other key enforcement agencies like police – had coincided with the rapid spread of dodgy shops and complex criminal networks underpinning them.<\/p>\n The report outlined a 10-point plan to \u201creclaim the UK\u2019s high streets\u201d, including investing in Trading Standards, making the sale of illegal goods a trigger for licence review, and an additional \u00a320 million to bolster Trading Standards resources for ports and borders.<\/p>\n John McGuire, Manufacturing and Compliance Director at Vaping specialist VPZ said dodgy operators undermine legitimate businesses, evade tax and put consumers at risk.<\/p>\n Calls have been made for a crackdown on vape operators(Image: Peter Dazeley\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n He said: \u201cThis is exactly why it is vital that a comprehensive retail licensing system is introduced for the vaping sector – something VPZ has consistently called for over a number of years.<\/p>\n \u201cA properly enforced licensing regime would help authorities clearly distinguish between responsible retailers and rogue operators, while giving enforcement bodies the tools they need to shut down illegal activity quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n \u201cCrucially, vaping products should only be sold through properly licensed, specialist retailers or approved outlets. They should not be available in environments such as takeaways or American candy stores, where there is a higher risk of non-compliance and access by underage consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here<\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_1-1jfif.jpg\")
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