265 premises raided in UK-wide operation

SENEDD Member Gareth Davies MS has welcomed a national crackdown on high street money laundering, following a series of targeted police raids on businesses across the UK.

The police and trading standards also targeted at least one shop in Charles Street Milford Haven last month (Mar 13), the Herald understands that the authorities were looking for counterfeit or illegally imported cigarettes and tobacco. We are still awaiting an update on the outcome of that raid.

The nationwide operation, however, is called Operation Machinize. It is being led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), saw coordinated action at 265 premises including barbershops, car washes, vape shops and American sweet stores. Officers made 35 arrests, froze bank accounts holding over £1 million, and placed 97 suspected modern slavery victims under protection. The NCA estimates that up to £12 billion of criminal cash is laundered in the UK every year.

The large-scale operation follows warnings first raised by Mr Davies in the Senedd on 7 February 2024. During that debate, he highlighted an unusual concentration of cash-only barbershops and vape shops in his constituency, suggesting links to organised crime and illicit financial activity.

At the time, his comments were dismissed by Labour Senedd Members and Welsh Government ministers. Labour MS for Ogmore, Huw Irranca-Davies, said during the debate:
“[…] to brand whole swathes of our high street businesses as potential criminal money-launderers is a terrible slur on the many local businesses who are trying to create jobs and make a living and bring life to our towns.”

However, growing public concern in parts of Wales appears to support Mr Davies’ earlier claims. In Porth, South Wales, a 14th barbershop application was recently submitted in a town with a population of just 6,000 — raising fresh questions about the scale and purpose of some high street businesses.

Mr Davies has now challenged Welsh Labour to confirm whether they acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, especially given the NCA operation took place under a UK Labour Government. He is also calling on the Welsh Government to provide support and guidance to local councils dealing with suspected laundering.

Speaking following the raids, Gareth Davies said: “When I first raised my constituents’ concerns about the rise of cash-only businesses on our high streets, they were met with pearl-clutching by Labour members who dismissed them outright.

“I welcome the police crackdown, a year on from when I first sounded the alarm, and I hope that Operation Machinize will deliver meaningful results.

“I would like the Welsh Government to clarify whether they now accept this is a real and growing issue, and to set out how they plan to equip local authorities to tackle it head on.”

A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.

Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.

The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.

The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.

“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.

“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”

Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.

The pair’s route is as follows:

• Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
• Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
• Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
• Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
• Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
• Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”

She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”

Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.

To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don

Major productions support 500 Welsh businesses and launch careers for local creatives

NETFLIX has revealed that its productions in Wales have generated more than £200 million for the UK economy since 2020, cementing Wales as a vital hub for the global streaming giant.

The announcement, made in partnership with Creative Wales, highlights the scale of Netflix’s investment in the region and celebrates the impact of its latest project — Havoc — the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales.

Directed by Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy, Havoc was filmed across a range of Welsh locations. The action-thriller follows a bruised detective as he navigates a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son following a botched drug deal.

Wales has steadily become a filming powerhouse for Netflix, with previous productions including Sex Education, The Crown and The Witcher. A newly published report showcases the scale of investment and its ripple effect across sectors. For every £1 spent by Netflix in Wales:

• 58p is spent in TV and film production
• 7p in rental and leasing
• 5p in the creative arts
• 3p in food and hospitality
• 27p across other sectors of the economy

In addition, each £1 spent has created an extra 80p in supply chain spending, boosting industries indirectly connected to filming.

Supporting local talent

Netflix has not only brought blockbuster productions to Wales, but also helped launch careers in the creative industries. Over 60 trainee and apprenticeship roles were created during the filming of Sex Education, many of which led to full-time work.

In another initiative, Netflix partnered with the National Youth Theatre to deliver its IGNITE Your Creativity programme, reaching over 350 young people in Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Torfaen and Bridgend with workshops aimed at building skills and confidence.

Championing the Welsh language

As part of its ongoing commitment to Welsh culture, Havoc will be available with Welsh-language subtitles. Previous Netflix hits including The Adam Project and Red Notice also featured Welsh subtitles, and in 2023 the platform licensed Dal y Mellt, its first Welsh-language drama.

Praise from industry and government

Anna Mallett, Vice President of Production for Netflix UK, said: “From Sex Education to The Crown, and now Havoc, some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment. We’re proud our productions here continue to offer enduring cultural and economic benefits.”

Welsh Culture Minister Jack Sargeant added: “We are immensely proud of our creative industries, which employ over 35,000 people and benefit from world-class infrastructure. As this report shows, welcoming high-profile Netflix productions has delivered significant economic and reputational gains for Wales.”

Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said: “Collaborating with Netflix brings jobs, training, and major economic benefits to our communities. We look forward to continuing this relationship and building Wales’s profile as a go-to destination for major productions.”

Director Gareth Evans said: “Filming Havoc in Wales was a thrilling experience. The impact of a production of this scale on local businesses and creatives has been incredible. I hope this paves the way for even more filmmakers to choose Wales to tell their stories.”

Local voices: Training and trade

Johnny Gurnett, a former Netflix trainee, credited the company with launching his career: “Getting your foot in the door can be really tough, and this was my first job in the industry. Since then, I’ve worked on Disney’s Willow, BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies, and HBO’s Rain Dogs. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the experience and connections I made on Sex Education.”

Adam Charles, Head Chef at The Healthy Hangout, shared his business’s role in the production: “We provided meals for some of the stars, which was brilliant for business. But beyond that, there’s a sense of pride in knowing our food was part of something this big.”