Sun, Jun 13, 2021
Since the lockdown puppy phenomenon pushed up the price of dogs by up to 450% in the UK, a huge increase in dog thefts and importations has followed. With access to the minds behind the crimes and the people on the frontline trying to prevent them, we discover why illegal puppy farms have become one of the fastest growing illicit markets in Europe. We gained access to a gang who explained how they grab dogs in parks and from people's houses. Plus, we secured an interview with an illicit dog importation organisation who bring dogs into the UK from Eastern European puppy farms. They implant fake microchips before selling them on. Finally, we learned about the fight back, meeting a victim who managed to steal her dog back and a pet detective who takes on these cases as her day job.
Sun, Oct 24, 2021
Gangs are always looking for new ways to launder their money, and in cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester, using money mules has become one of their favorite methods. Young and vulnerable people are convinced by criminals, often on social media, to let them use their personal bank accounts to receive and send on their illicit earnings. However, there can be serious consequences for those who get involved, from being locked out of the financial system, to even serving time in prison. This crime is still massively under-reported, which in part is what leaves many young people so vulnerable. VICE investigates this new and booming form of crime and meets the recruiters, the police, and people who have inadvertently got caught up in it.