You may have noticed a major clean-up at Companies House, as over 11,500 UK-registered companies were struck off following a crackdown led by the National Economic Crime Centre. These companies were found to be non-compliant with registered office rules and were linked to high-risk incorporation practices.

Authorities, including HMRC, Companies House, the National Crime Agency, the Insolvency Service, and several police forces, carried out inspections at addresses associated with company formation agents. In many cases, there was no legitimate business activity. One address alone had between 4,000–5,000 companies registered—many of which were based elsewhere or overseas.

As a result:

• Key individuals involved in setting up these companies have been banned from further registrations.
• Several trust and company service providers are now facing enforcement action or closure.
• Criminal referrals and asset recovery processes are underway.

This is part of a broader effort to combat money laundering and economic crime, with new rules being rolled out under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act — including identity checks and tighter controls on company formation.

Authorities stress the importance of cooperation across government, law enforcement, and the private sector to safeguard the integrity of UK business.