The raid took place on 28 February and details have now been made available. Police say the den was operating in an industrial unit in the Splott area of the Welsh capital city.

Two males were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and offences related to the Gambling Act. Police seized all gambling paraphernalia including six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, poker coins and chips, and flat screen televisions.

The raid is part of Operation Henhouse, a month-long intensification period against fraud in Wales. The Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) conducted the raid in partnership with the Gambling Commission, HMRC and Cardiff City Council Licensing. 

In total, there have been six arrests plus seven warrants. In addition, more than 10 Cease and Desist notices were issued to individuals committing fraud and money laundering offences.

Ongoing police effort to prevent fraud 

“Fraud has become the most commonly recorded crime in England and Wales,” said Detective Sergeant Emma Brown, of Tarian’s Proactive Economic Crime Team (PECT). “It is often committed in conjunction with other serious offences, such as money laundering.

“Over the course of the Henhouse intensification period, we have arrested individuals under suspicion of Fraud by False Representation and money laundering. This is together with executing warrants in respect of the distribution of illegal TV Firesticks.

“Our engagement teams have also delivered cybercrime and fraud awareness inputs to community groups, colleges and universities, and businesses. This will help prevent people from becoming victims of fraud.”

Gambling Commission executive director of operations Kay Roberts praised the efforts of police. Robert said the Commission will continue to work with law enforcement to tackle illegal gambling.

“We are committed to tackling illegal gambling activity across the UK,” Robert said. “We will continue working closely with law enforcement and partner agencies to achieve this.”