Crime

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

Published

2 years ago

March 26, 2024

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

Milford Haven man admits assault and harassment charges

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN has admitted assaulting a family member and harassing another relative following incidents in the town last year.

Wayne Whatling, 39, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Whatling changed his pleas to guilty to one charge of assault by beating and one charge of harassment without violence.

The assault charge relates to an incident in Milford Haven on September 13, 2025, when Whatling assaulted Ben Whatling by beating him.

He also admitted pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment against Carol Whatling between September 1 and September 13, 2025.

The court heard the harassment allegation involved repeatedly asking Carol Whatling for money, with the complainant said to have feared repercussions if she did not provide it.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Whatling was remanded on conditional bail and ordered not to contact Carol or Ben Whatling directly or indirectly.

He is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 9).

Crime

Milford Haven man admits affray after alleged pub incident

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted affray following an incident at a town centre pub.

Stephen Collier, 38, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Collier has pleaded guilty to affray, relating to an incident at Nos Da, Victoria Road, Milford Haven, on December 3, 2025.

The charge states that he used unlawful violence towards John Dean Hilton and that his conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

Collier also faces a separate charge of burglary dwelling with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that, on the same date, he entered a flat at Nos Da as a trespasser and inflicted grievous bodily harm on Mr Hilton. He denies that charge.

The court also dealt with a breach of bail allegation after Collier was arrested on May 20 for allegedly breaching a curfew condition. He admitted the breach.

Magistrates re-admitted him to conditional bail.

His bail conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 9:00pm and 6:00am, residence at his Vaynor Road address, and exclusions from Mount Estate, Milford Haven town centre, and Nos Da.

He must also not contact prosecution witnesses, including Molly Martin, Jack Martin, Lily Rose Martin and John Hilton.

Collier is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, June 5, for sentence.

A spokesperson for Nos Da said the incident was connected with rooms upstairs at the Victoria Road premises, and did not take place in the bar itself, in the licensed area.