Cops have swooped on a Winchester test centre accused of helping people cheat their way into the construction industry. Officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Economic Crime Unit executed two warrants and arrested four men after a tip-off from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Fake CSCS Cards Put Lives at Risk
These centres offer online exams needed for construction qualifications, regulated by CITB. Passing the CITB Health & Safety test plus trade-specific qualifications is essential to get a CSCS card — the gold standard proving workers are trained and safe on UK building sites.
But the Winchester centre allegedly accepted cash to help candidates fraudulently pass. This means unqualified workers could be roaming construction sites, risking serious injury or worse.
Details of Arrests and Seizures
- A 47-year-old Southampton man arrested for conspiracy to defraud and handling criminal property; held in custody.
- 25-year-old from Birmingham arrested for conspiracy to defraud; released on bail.
- 46-year-old from Swindon arrested for conspiracy to defraud; released on bail.
- 53-year-old West Bromwich man arrested for conspiracy to defraud; released on bail.
Officers seized electronics and cash as they continue their probe. The suspects remain on bail until 15 May.
Industry Leaders Slam Fraud and Promise Action
“Helping people fraudulently pass these tests puts not only the subject themselves, but also those working around them, at serious risk of harm,” warned Detective Inspector Jamie Johnson. “We are working alongside CITB to ensure those involved face justice.”
Chris Simpson, Head of CITB’s Standard Setting Body, said: “These arrests show our commitment to stamping out cheating. Faking health and safety qualifications threatens everyone on site. We’ll work to revoke fraudulent CSCS cards and keep the industry safe.”
Marcus Mills, CSCS Fraud Prevention Manager, added: “Unqualified workers endanger lives. We urge employers to verify cards with CSCS Smart Check and will cancel any found to be fraudulent.”
Construction firms are reminded to use official card and certificate-checking services to keep sites safe and secure.
