Over 400 people have been arrested in a crackdown on fraud in a multi-agency operation known as "Operation Henhouse." 

The large scale hit on fraudsters in the UK was coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police. The operation resulted in the seizure of large amounts of cash and high value luxury goods.  

The activity, which was the third time the multi-agency operation hit fraudsters, ran across February and March 2024 and resulted in: 

• 438 arrests 
• 211 voluntary interviews 
• 283 cease and desist notices 
• account freezing orders of £5.1m 
• seizures of cash and assets worth £13.9m  

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Fraud Becoming a Common Crime Across UK 

In England and Wales, fraud accounts for a staggering 40% of all crime reported in the Crime Survey for England and Wales, and costs an estimated £6.8 billion each year. 

All UK police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units took part in Operation Henhouse alongside several other agencies, including: 

• Financial Conduct Authority 
• National Crime Agency 
• Serious Fraud Office 
• National Trading Standards  

Substantial activity resulted in: 

• 27 arrests, Norfolk Constabulary. 
• 20 arrests, Bedfordshire Police. 
• 10 arrests, Merseyside Police, £548k seized and five account freezing orders amounting to £287k. 
• 17 arrests, Warwickshire 
• 90 disruptions, Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit 
• 15 arrests, Essex Police, £2 million in assets frozen 
• 20 arrests, Kent Police, £107k frozen 

Porsche, Rolex Watch and BMW Among Goods Seized 

Seizures  included: 

• £80,000 Porsche 
• £70,000 BMW 
• £15,000 Rolex watch 
• $33,200(USD) 
• £15,750 
• Large quantity of high value designer clothing 

Gambling Commission, HMRC and Council Joined Forces to tackle Money Laundering

Following warrants executed at locations across Cardiff, Wales, in late February 2024, two men were arrested by officers from the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit who were working in partnership with the Gambling Commission, HMRC, and Cardiff City Council Licensing. 

The men were suspected of money laundering and gambling act offences. 

Among the items seized were: 

• Six poker tables 
• A spinning prize wheel 
• Poker coins and chips 
• Multiple flat screen TVs

Devastating Consequences for Victims of Fraud 

Adrian Searle, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) in the NCA, said: “Henhouse is proof of what policing and wider law enforcement across the UK can achieve when we come together."

“The emotional harm that fraud causes is immense, and many of those targeted are faced with devastating and life changing losses.

This activity on a number of fronts will significantly impact the fraud threat.” 

Record Number of Disruptions and Arrests Made 

Temporary Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, 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 £6 million in cash seized and over 430 arrests throughout the month. It’s a fantastic and collaborative effort by all the officers who took part."

Security Minister Praises NCA and Police Forces Across UK  

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "Fraud destroys lives. Operations like Henhouse are vital to crack down on fraudsters and stop them from profiteering off of our family, friends, and neighbours."

“Our approach is working. Fraud is already down 13% in England and Wales. This government is determined to continue our efforts to bring fraudsters to justice and protect the public.” 

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Fraud 

Protect your online accounts from compromise by criminals. Steps you can take include: 

• Create strong, unique passwords for accounts 
• Always use 2-step verification if offered 
• Use your browser’s password manager to safely store passwords 

If you have fallen victim to fraud or cybercrime, report it any time at www.actionfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, report it to Police Scotland by calling 101. If you are a victim of fraud, report it to your bank so they can protect your account.