File on 4 Investigates

Dangerous habit: The criminal networks flooding the UK with fake cigarettes

File on 4 Investigates

Show Notes

File on 4 Investigates reveals the global criminal networks flooding the UK with fake cigarettes. We trace the supply chain smuggling the counterfeits across borders and lay bare the human cost as vulnerable people are moved across continents and made to work and live in clandestine factories here in the UK. We reveal how a secret factory capable of making up to a quarter of a billion cigarettes a year was recently uncovered in the UK and join Belgian customs as they raid a factory making cigarettes bound for the British market. A former senior official in Europol tells us criminal gangs are now making as much money from fake cigarettes as drugs. Presenter: Jane Deith Producer: Paul Grant Production Management: Tim Fernley & Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Tara McDermott

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Oct 6, 2026

The number of children taken into care before they reach their first birthday is at a worryingly and persistently high level, according to new figures. In many of those cases it is unsafe for parents to look after their children - but experts believe that a significant number of those babies might not have gone into care, if the right support was in place. This programme investigates the support birth families receive and how much of a voice they are given once care proceedings begin. Figures suggest that most children who go on to be adopted are taken into care as babies. Ninety percent of adoptions happen without the written consent of birth parents. It’s led to some using the term ‘modern day forced adoption’ and to calls for a debate about the system. File on 4 Investigates hears about one project in Salford which has been praised for the support it gives to birth families, cutting the number of children going into care and being adopted. In response to our findings Adoption England say that the process provides "children with a permanent, stable and loving family" adding that "Without adoption, the vast majority of these children will remain in care throughout their childhood and, as extensive research shows" they experience "significantly worse outcomes". The government says it is putting £2.4bn into “transforming the children’s social care system” in England and say they want to increase support for children to stay with their family wherever possible. Presenter: Judith Moritz Senior Producers: Claire Kendall & Ashley Kennedy Production Co-ordinators: Tim Fernley & Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Tara McDermott For details of organisations which offer advice and information with adoption and fostering, go online to bbc.co.uk/actionline. Image: Jean and Tye, who is now an adult, are back in contact.

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Sep 15, 2026

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Sep 2, 2026

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