South East Fraud Crackdown: Five Arrested in Major Warrant Blitz
Operation Henhouse Targets Fraudsters Across South East
Detectives from Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate launched a series of raids across the South East to clamp down on alleged fraudsters trying to cash in through dishonest schemes.
This crackdown is backed by Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre initiative that funds police forces to boost action against fraud.
Five Arrested in February Fraud Busts
- A 60-year-old man in Maidstone was arrested over alleged company fund misuse.
- A 33-year-old London man faces charges for credit card fraud, including a sneaky chargeback scam involving 28 tourist attraction tickets in Canterbury.
- A 74-year-old East Sussex man was nabbed for forging a signature on house sale documents in Sevenoaks.
- A 65-year-old man in London and a 59-year-old in Hertfordshire were arrested for misusing company funds linked to a Chatham business.
All suspects have since been released on bail pending further investigations.
Convicted Fraudster Investigated for Breaking Crime Order
In a related move, police also carried out a warrant at the Maidstone home of a 40-year-old convicted fraudster who is suspected of breaching his Serious Crime Prevention Order since his release from prison. He was interviewed under caution and remains under investigation.
Police Warn Fraud is an Ever-Evolving Threat
Detective Sergeant Marc Makin of Kent Police’s Serious Economic Crime Unit said:
‘Fraud offences vary greatly and criminals are always finding new ways to trick people and businesses out of money or possessions.
‘Tackling fraud and protecting the vulnerable is a top priority year-round. We’re proud to support this nationwide enforcement campaign with the National Economic Crime Centre. More warrants are planned this month to bring other suspected fraudsters to justice.’
