Illegal vape shops in the West Midlands have been exposed in a disturbing grooming scandal. An investigation has revealed that children as young as 11 are being given free vapes if they provide sexual favours.
Trading Standards officers have warned that this issue marks the start of a new grooming crisis affecting the region. The Dudley Trading Standards enforcement team uncovered evidence of criminal activity behind these rogue retailers.
Officer Richard Timmins told Channel 4 News, “I had one the other day, a child as young as 11 purchasing vapes from a shop — it’s just disgusting.”
During raids, officers found condoms in staff pockets and a Kurdish phrasebook containing unsettling phrases such as “you’re pretty,” “I love your hair,” and “you’re young and beautiful.” Additional reports indicated that 12-year-olds were being driven to secret locations by men connected to these vape shops.
In a Channel 4 filmed raid, police shut down a vape shop known for targeting children. This business had a history of selling to minors, and a former owner faced charges including rape and strangulation. Although not officially listed as the owner, police suspect this individual still exerts control behind the scenes.
The current owner, known as Javid, denied any wrongdoing and blamed his predecessor. However, officers caught him meeting with the former owner, who had been evicted for illegal sales. Officer Timmins commented, “It just shows that even though he’s been evicted, he will still be the business owner.”
The suspect linked to the shop reportedly has police markers for sexual offences, violent crimes, and firearms possession, allegations he strongly denies.
This investigation comes amid a nationwide crackdown led by the National Crime Agency (NCA). In November 2025, hundreds of mini-marts, vape shops, barbers, and takeaways were raided to dismantle illegal trading networks.
The operation resulted in 920 arrests, inspections of nearly 3,000 businesses, and seizures of millions of pounds worth of illegal goods. Authorities recovered 70 kilograms of cannabis, confiscated large sums of cash, and issued over 340 notices for illegal renting and working.
The NCA estimates that £12 billion of illicit money flows through the UK annually, funding organised crime. Trading Standards confirm that investigations into vape shops linked to child grooming remain ongoing, with more arrests expected.
Originally published by UKNIP.
