Illegal gambling has become an increasingly serious issue in Wales, particularly in urban areas such as Cardiff. The recent raid on an illegal gambling den in Splott, Cardiff, has highlighted the persistent threat posed by these unlawful activities.
This raid, executed by the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) in collaboration with the Gambling Commission, HMRC, and Cardiff City Council Licensing, underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling such operations.
The raid in Splott
On 28 February 2024, Tarian ROCU carried out a significant operation targeting an illegal gambling den in the Splott area of Cardiff. This operation was part of a broader initiative known as Operation Henhouse, a nationwide crackdown on fraud and related crimes. The raid followed intelligence reports suggesting that an illegal gambling operation was being conducted in an industrial unit in Splott.
The operation was meticulously planned and involved the execution of six warrants across Cardiff. As a result, two males were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and offences under the Gambling Act.
The authorities also seized a substantial amount of gambling paraphernalia, including six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, poker coins and chips, and multiple flatscreen televisions. The seizure of these items effectively dismantled the illegal gambling operation, sending a strong message to others involved in similar activities.
Despite the fact that the UK has a range of casinos providing safe and legal options for gambling, the existence of illegal gambling dens, such as the one in Splott, highlights the ongoing battle against unregulated gambling activities.
The role of Operation Henhouse
Operation Henhouse is a month-long national intensification effort focused on combating fraud and related criminal activities across the UK. Funded by the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), the operation represents a collaborative effort among multiple police forces, organised crime units, and partner agencies, including the Gambling Commission and HMRC.
The operation has been particularly effective in southern Wales, where Tarian ROCU has been at the forefront of coordinating efforts to identify and dismantle illegal gambling operations.
During the course of Operation Henhouse in South Wales, a total of seven warrants were executed, resulting in six arrests and the issuance of over ten Cease and Desist notices to individuals involved in fraud and money laundering.
The crackdown on illegal gambling is a key component of this broader effort, as illegal gambling operations are often linked to other serious crimes, including money laundering and fraud.
Impact on the community
The raid in Splott has had a significant impact on the local community, highlighting the pervasive nature of illegal gambling and its associated risks. Detective Sergeant Emma Brown of Tarian’s Proactive Economic Crime Team (PECT) emphasised the importance of addressing fraud, which has become the most common crime in England and Wales.
She noted that fraud often occurs in conjunction with other serious offences, such as money laundering, which further underscores the need for comprehensive enforcement actions like Operation Henhouse.
In addition to the immediate enforcement actions, Tarian ROCU and its partners have been actively involved in community engagement efforts. These efforts include delivering cybercrime and fraud awareness training to community groups, educational institutions, and businesses.
The aim is to educate the public about the tactics used by fraudsters and to help prevent individuals from falling victim to such crimes.
The way forward
The success of the raid in Splott and the broader Operation Henhouse initiative highlights the importance of continued vigilance and multi-agency collaboration in tackling illegal gambling and related crimes.
The Gambling Commission, along with law enforcement and other partner agencies, remains committed to eradicating illegal gambling operations and protecting the public from the harms associated with these activities.
Moving forward, there will be a continued focus on both enforcement and education to prevent the spread of illegal gambling. Increased surveillance of known hotspots, more comprehensive training for law enforcement officers, and enhanced community engagement are all critical components of this ongoing effort.
By addressing both the immediate threats posed by illegal gambling and the underlying factors that enable such activities, authorities hope to significantly reduce the prevalence of these crimes in Wales.
This comprehensive approach not only protects consumers but also supports the integrity of the legal gambling industry, ensuring that gambling in the UK remains safe, fair, and crime-free.
