557 arrests in a month as fraud crackdown delivers record results

Written by David Fletcher 27 Mar 2026
557 arrests in a month as fraud crackdown delivers record results

A nationwide fraud crackdown has led to 557 arrests in a single month, marking the most successful phase yet of Operation Henhouse. The initiative targets organised fraud networks operating both online and offline. Authorities also froze £9 million in bank accounts and seized £18.1 million in cash and assets during February alone. In South Yorkshire, more than three hundred people were deceived through fake online adverts for vans. Criminals persuaded victims to pay deposits, only for them to discover the vehicles did not exist. The scam relied on over 90 'money mules’, often recruited via social media, who allowed their bank accounts to be used to move stolen funds. Three men were jailed for their roles in the operation. Over five years, Operation Henhouse has resulted in nearly two thousand arrests and disrupted over £67 million linked to fraud.

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