Suspended Sentences Imposed on Operators of Sophisticated Illegal Poker Venue in Cardiff
Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis received three-year suspended sentences for an illegal poker operation in Cardiff from August 2022 to February 2024. The sophisticated venue had six tables, CCTV, and a secure cashier setup, with proceeds funding luxury spending and creating player debts. Multiple agencies including Tarian ROCU and the UK Gambling Commission coordinated the enforcement.
SCCG Take — The case demonstrates multi-agency action targeting both unlicensed gambling and related criminal property offences. It reinforces enforcement priorities around player protection and tax compliance in the UK market.
Two men in the United Kingdom received suspended prison sentences after authorities dismantled an illegal poker operation that funded their lavish lifestyles through undeclared profits.
The scheme operated from an upstairs room in a unit on an industrial estate in Splott, Cardiff. Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales, launched the investigation after a report from the UK Gambling Commission.
Details of the Illegal Poker Hub
Photos from the site revealed a well-equipped venue with six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, seating, and fridges stocked with drinks and snacks. A wall mural showed two characters playing poker as branding. Poker chips, records, CCTV cameras, and a cashier’s office protected by Perspex were also present. Entry was via a fire exit.
The operation ran between August 2022 and February 2024. It was promoted via WhatsApp and included online poker games. The 2024 crackdown involved Tarian ROCU, the UKGC, HMRC, and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department.
Sentences Handed Down at Cardiff Crown Court
Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis pleaded guilty to possessing and transferring criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 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 stated: “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.”
Lan explained that the pair spent the proceeds on high-value items and expensive foreign holidays. Some players became indebted to the organizers. Lan added: “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.”
Lan thanked the UKGC for the initial tip along with the other agencies involved. This account reflects reporting by GamblingNews.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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