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Crime

Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit’s key role fraud smashing operation

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THE TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit, based in Wales, has been pivotal in the recent successes of Operation Henhouse, a comprehensive national initiative led by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police to combat fraud.

This effort has culminated in over 400 arrests and the seizure of £19m across the UK, with the Unit playing a central role in these achievements, particularly through significant operations in Cardiff.

Throughout February and March 2024, the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit, in collaboration with the Gambling Commission, HMRC, and Cardiff City Council Licensing, executed strategic operations within Cardiff.

This included executing six warrants, leading to the arrest of two men for money laundering and gambling act offences, and the seizure of gambling equipment and electronics. These actions underscore the Unit’s commitment to disrupting fraudulent activities and safeguarding communities in Wales.

This year’s Operation Henhouse marked a notable expansion of effort, involving all UK police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units for the first time. It highlighted the vital role of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit and its counterparts in addressing the challenge of fraud, which represents approximately 40% of all crime reports and incurs an estimated annual cost of £6.8bn in England and Wales.

The operation led to substantial outcomes nationwide, including 438 arrests, 211 voluntary interviews, and numerous seizures, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts across the country. The Tarian Unit’s contributions were integral to these results, reflecting the strategic importance of Wales in the broader national fight against economic crime.

Adrian Searle, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) in the NCA, praised the collective action, specifically acknowledging the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit’s efforts in Wales. “The success of Operation Henhouse is a testament to the strength of our united approach against fraud, with the Tarian Unit playing a crucial role in our national strategy,” said Searle.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, representing the City of London Police, emphasized the significant impact of coordinated efforts, including the critical contributions from the Tarian Unit, in achieving record-breaking results this year.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat acknowledged the operation’s national success, attributing the decline in fraud rates in part to the rigorous actions taken by forces across the country, including the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit.

The public is encouraged to aid in the fight against fraud by adopting secure online practices and reporting suspicious activities. Victims of fraud or cybercrime are urged to report incidents via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 101 in Scotland. For more information on fraud prevention, visit stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk.

The achievements of Operation Henhouse, bolstered by the critical role of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in Cardiff and across Wales, illustrate the power of collaboration and dedication in combating fraud, ensuring a more secure future for communities throughout the UK.

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

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Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

 

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