Petition · Home Office

Ban all alternative remittance systems to disrupt small boat smuggling networks

Open for signatures 32 signatures

What the petition asks

Introduce a total statutory ban on alternative remittance systems such as the hawala banking system and parallel remittance ledgers. Operating or participating in an informal, trust-based money network must be made a criminal offence to force the closure of shops acting as physical cash hubs.
Channel people-smuggling syndicates rely heavily on informal brokers to act as a trusted escrow mechanism. These operators hold a migrant’s cash in front businesses—like tech repair shops or mini-mart. Current regulations require lengthy financial investigations to prove money laundering before a shop can be shut down. A total ban on these parallel ledgers could help allow the National Crime Agency and Border Security Command to dismantle local cash networks funding small boat logistics.

Timeline

18 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 32
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 18 Aug 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.