By James Simons-
Law enforcement agencies have conducted a sweeping crackdown resulting in over 400 arrests and the seizure of £19m in a concerted effort to combat the rising tide of fraud plaguing the United Kingdom.
Coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) and the City of London Police, the operation, dubbed Operation Henhouse, targeted various forms of fraudulent activities across the nation, spanning February and March 2024.
The scale of the operation is staggering, with 438 arrests, 211 voluntary interviews, and 283 cease and desist notices issued. Additionally, authorities froze accounts amounting to £5.1 million and seized cash and assets worth a whopping £13.9 million.
This marks the third iteration of Operation Henhouse, demonstrating an escalating response to combatting fraud.
Fraud has emerged as the most common crime reported in the Crime Survey of England and Wales, constituting approximately 40% of all crime reports and inflicting an estimated annual cost of £6.8 billion in England and Wales alone.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, law enforcement agencies deployed resources from across the UK, including all police forces, Regional Organised Crime Units, and national agencies such as the Financial Conduct Authority, National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, and National Trading Standards.
Individual forces and agencies across the UK undertook substantial enforcement activities, with notable achievements including Warwickshire conducting seven arrests and 11 interviews related to cases involving defrauding victims of over £450,000.
Properties across the capital and Kent were targeted, with police seizing a cache of digital devices, cash, drugs, offensive weapons, and a replica firearm.
In a separate warrant, the force arrested two individuals for possessing sim farms, which are used to send thousands of fraudulent texts to potential victims.
Additional operations funded under Operation Henhouse included the disruption of a counterfeit vinyl factory, with police seizing fake vinyl records.
If sold at market price, they would have been worth an estimated loss to the industry of over £1 million.
Essex Police froze £2 million worth of assets and making 15 arrests, whilst Kent Police arrested 20 suspects, seizing over £7,000, and freezing accounts worth nearly £100,000.
The success of Operation Henhouse extended beyond arrests, with high-value seizures including luxury vehicles and valuable assets. Lancashire Police seized an £80,000 Porsche, while the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit confiscated a £70,000 BMW.
The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit seized a £15,000 Rolex watch, alongside $33,200(USD), £15,750 in cash, and high-value designer clothing.
Operation Henhouse exemplified collaborative efforts across force boundaries and between various partners. Police Scotland, supported by Greater Manchester Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, charged two individuals in connection with a fraudulent banking scheme.
Cleveland Police, collaborating with the North East Regional Crime Unit, conducted raids and arrested four individuals.
The National Crime Agency played a pivotal role in supporting partner agencies. Notably, it assisted the Serious Fraud Office in investigating Signature Group, resulting in eight arrests and the seizure of significant assets.
The results of Operation Henhouse indicate a 52% increase in arrests compared to the previous year, underscoring the efficacy of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling complex and evolving threats.
Adrian Searle, Director of the NECC, emphasized the emotional harm caused by fraud and highlighted the importance of partnership in combating the menace.
Temporary Detective Superintendent Oliver Little of the City of London Police commended the collaborative effort, noting the record number of arrests and disruptions made during the operation.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat praised the operation’s success in seizing criminal assets worth millions and making substantial arrests.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating fraud and protecting the public.
City of London Detective Superintendent Oliver Little said: “The success of this year’s Operation Henhouse would not be possible without the hard work of multiple teams from police forces and regional teams across the UK.
“This is evident in the results, with an estimated £13m in cash seized and over 438 arrests throughout the month. It’s a fantastic and collaborative effort by all officers who took part.
“This year sees our most impressive results yet, with a record number of arrests and disruptions made.
“With fraud accounting for around 40 per cent of all crime in the UK, we know the important role we have as the national lead force for fraud and how operations like Henhouse are key in delivering results and disrupting criminals.”