Special Commendation for Groundbreaking Financial Crime Investigation

17 September 2025

Colleagues in Shared Regulatory Services, working with the wider Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit, received a Special Commendation from the prestigious Keith Hughes Award following groundbreaking work on Operation Usk.

Operation Usk is a multi-agency investigation that uncovered a sophisticated organised crime group involved in illicit tobacco distribution and large-scale money laundering across South Wales.

It led to the successful prosecution of 11 defendants after a 15-week contested trial. In total, the case resulted in more than 31 years of immediate custodial sentences and a further 7 years and 6 months in suspended sentences for fraud and money laundering offences.

The investigation, which exposed the laundering of more than £3.4 million through a web of cash-based businesses, third-party bank accounts, and international transfers, also led to the recovery of £600,000 in illegal tobacco products.

The Keith Hughes Award is given annually to a team or individual demonstrating outstanding innovation and effectiveness in tackling financial crime through investigation and legal enforcement.

Congratulations to everyone involved for their exceptional teamwork and dedication in achieving this national recognition.