Operation Henhouse delivers strongest results yet in landmark fifth year of national fraud crackdown, with 557 arrests and more than £18.1m in cash and assets seized

February saw the most successful iteration yet of Operation Henhouse, a month-long nationwide intensification of fraud enforcement activity coordinated by the City of London Police alongside the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC).

Now in its fifth year, the operation represents half a decade of sustained collaboration between policing and partners, driving a unified effort to pursue offenders, safeguard victims, and disrupt criminal networks at scale.

This year’s activity delivered significant results across the UK, including 557 arrests, 249 cease and desist notices issued, 172 voluntary interviews, £9 million secured through Account Freezing Orders, £2.8 million in cash seizures and £15.3 million in non-cash asset seizures.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, said:

“Operation Henhouse 5 represents a landmark moment in our collective fight against fraud. These results are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of officers and staff up and down the country who have worked tirelessly to pursue fraudsters and protect the public. I would also like to thank our partners at the NECC for their continued support and coordination, which has been instrumental in delivering this success.

“Fraud remains one of the most pervasive crimes affecting individuals and businesses, but wide-scale operations like Henhouse demonstrate our commitment to disrupting offenders, safeguarding victims, and bringing criminals to justice.”

Nick Sharp, Deputy Director Fraud at the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) in the NCA, said:

“Operation Henhouse has once again delivered outstanding results, and this fifth year of coordinated enforcement action across the UK has been our most successful yet.

“Since its inception, Henhouse has contributed to thousands of arrests and the recovery of millions of pounds linked to fraud, with each successive year building on the last.

“With the first convictions now being reported, Henhouse demonstrates the strength and reach of law enforcement, bringing together every police force, Regional Organised Crime Units, and key partner agencies to pursue fraudsters and protect the public.

“The results achieved across five years of Henhouse reflect the commitment of UK Law Enforcement and Policing to tackling one of the most prolific and harmful crimes affecting people and businesses across the country.”

Lord Hanson, Fraud Minister said:

“Fraud is a devastating crime impacting people from all walks of life. I’d like to thank the police and law enforcement for cracking down on these criminals and delivering outstanding results as part of Operation Henhouse.

“With our expanded Fraud Strategy, the government is strengthening partnerships across sectors to disrupt criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice, and better protect victims.”

As part of Operation Henhouse 5, City of London Police activity included a warrant in south London attended by the Minister for Fraud, Rt. Hon. Lord David Hanson, alongside Fraud Operations officers where a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of selling fraudulent products and services online. The Minister’s visit coincided with the launch of the Home Office’s Fraud Strategy, underlining the continued national focus on tackling economic crime.

Officers from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) made eight arrests, executed 19 search warrants and carried out seven cease and desist actions. They also secured 15 account freezing orders, totalling £537,000. In addition, officers seized more than 7,000 counterfeit items, representing an estimated £700,000 loss to industry.

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) made 11 arrests and issued 63 cease and desist orders. Five of the arrests formed part of an operation targeting ‘ghost broking’, including the arrest of a former Metropolitan Police officer. The investigation uncovered thousands of fake insurance certificates and a network selling spoof apps designed to deceive officers during roadside checks. The unit also seized £5,000 in cash and £20,000 worth of Rolex watches.

The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) delivered significant results, carrying out 31 arrests and interviews under caution and seizing more than £48,000 in cash and non-cash assets. Officers also recovered fake ID printing equipment and SMS blaster devices, each valued at approximately £10,000, preventing their further use in criminal activity. In addition, the unit secured two account freezing orders totalling £589,000 linked to money laundering.

During the operation, Catriona Still, Head of Fraud Prevention and Training at the DCPCU, delivered fraud prevention training to bank staff and customers across multiple branches. In total, 13 sessions were delivered to more than 800 people, reinforcing the unit’s commitment to protecting the public from financial crime.

Operation Henhouse remains a central part of the City of London Police’s national fraud response, coordinated through the Lead Force Operations Room (LFOR). It plays a vital role in bringing together forces and partners across the UK, from a regional to a national level, to deliver a consistent, coordinated approach to tackling fraud.