Two Men Receive Sentences for Criminal Poker Operation in Wales

Two men in the United Kingdom have received suspended prison sentences due to an illegal poker operation that they ran. According to the authorities, the two men used the proceeds of the operation to fund a lavish lifestyle. Authorities Busted a High-Effort Illegal Poker Operation The operation was busted by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales, after it got wind of it thanks to a report by the UK Gambling Commission. After investigating the matter, Tarian learned that an upstairs room within a unit on an industrial estate in Splott, Cardiff, was used to host illegal poker. Photos of the unlicensed poker hub suggest a highly sophisticated operation. The den had six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, seating, and fridges packed full of drinks and snacks. A wall mural featuring two characters playing poker was also discovered, further highlighting that this was a well-organized operation with its own branding. Poker paraphernalia, such as chips and records were also discovered. To top it all off, the venue had CCTV cameras that allowed the two masterminds to monitor what was happening. A cashier’s office with a window protected by Perspex with a small opening for financial transactions was also present. The authorities learned that the entrance was via a fire exit. The operation was promoted via WhatsApp and also offered online poker games. The crackdown on the venue took place in 2024 and involved members of Tarian ROCU, the UKGC, HMRC, and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department. Now, the two men linked to the operation have been sentenced. The Two Masterminds Received Suspended Sentences According to Tarian ROCU, the masterminds behind the illegal poker operation in Cardiff were Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis. The illegal gambling den ran between August 2022 and February 2024 and allowed the two to fund lavish lifestyles. The two men ended up pleading guilty to possessing and transferring criminal property, in breach of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Their sentences were handed on October 2, 2026, at Cardiff Crown Court. Both men were sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for three years. Detective Constable Charles Lan, of Tarian ROCU, explained: These two men operated an illegal gambling business for their own financial gain, generating substantial profits which were never declared for tax purposes and ultimately came at the expense of the wider public. Detective Constable Charles Lan Lan explained that Rassam and Karayiannis used the money on high-value spending and expensive foreign holidays. He also emphasized that the illegal organization also exposed players to harm, since some became indebted to the two organizes. This sentence sends a message that unlicensed gambling is not a victimless offence. Those who seek to profit from illegal gambling while ignoring the laws and protections designed to keep people safe can expect to be brought before the courts. Detective Constable Charles Lan Lan thanked the UKGC for bringing the illegal operation to Tarian ROCU’s attention, as well as HMRC and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department for their assistance.