Two men sentenced after operating an illegal gambling den
05 October 2026
Two men have been given suspended prison sentences for possessing and transferring criminal funds obtained through the running of illegal poker games in Cardiff.
Between August 2022 and February 2024, Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis ran illegal poker games from an upstairs room within a unit on an industrial estate in Splott. The premises had been fitted out with six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, seating areas, and fridges stocked with drinks and snacks.
In February 2024, officers from Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) working alongside the Gambling Commission, HMRC and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department, executed warrants at the industrial unit, as well as residential and business addresses linked to the two men.
Rassam, 29, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, and Karayiannis, 30, from Pontprennau, Cardiff, were sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for three years.
Both men admitted to possessing criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and transferring criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been set for the 9 April 2027.
Sue Young, Gambling Commission Executive Director of Operations, said: “This case emerged after we received information about an illegal gambling den. The message is clear – if you run an illegal casino, there will be a tip off, you will be caught, and there will be significant consequences.
“We will continue to work with partners and take action against those who run illegal gambling operations in Great Britain.”
Detective Constable Charles Lan, of Tarian ROCU, said: “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.
“Their criminal enterprise provided them with significant personal benefits, funding a lavish lifestyle that included foreign holidays and other high-value spending.
“Throughout the investigation, we uncovered evidence that they actively promoted their poker games to individuals involved in serious criminality and even boasted about the presence of drug dealers and organised crime group members at their events. By providing a venue for these individuals and profiting from their participation, they were helping to facilitate and fund further criminal activity.
“The harm caused by this operation should not be underestimated. Individuals lost significant sums of money through these games, with some becoming indebted to the organisers. Unlike legitimate gambling operators, there were no safeguards in place to identify or support vulnerable people, nor any measures to protect those experiencing gambling addiction.
“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.
“I would like to thank our partners, particularly the Gambling Commission, whose intelligence first brought this activity to our attention. Their expertise and support throughout the investigation were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. I would also like to thank HMRC and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department for their valued assistance.”
Read full story on the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit website
Last updated: 5 October 2026
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