Investigation and venue operations
Between August 2022 and February 2024, Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis operated illegal poker games from an upstairs unit on an industrial estate in the Splott area of Cardiff. The premises was equipped with six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, seating areas, and fridges stocked with food and drinks. In February 2024, officers from Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit, working in collaboration with the Gambling Commission, HMRC, and Cardiff Council Licensing Department, raided the industrial unit alongside linked residential and business addresses.
Noor Rassam, 29, of Pentwyn, and Panayiotis Karayiannis, 30, of Pontprennau, both pleaded guilty to possessing and transferring criminal property contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Each defendant received a three year prison sentence suspended for three years. A subsequent Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2027.
Regulatory statements and criminal facilitation
Sue Young, Gambling Commission Executive Director of Operations, stated:
“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.”
Detective Constable Charles Lan of Tarian ROCU noted that the enterprise generated substantial undeclared profits that funded foreign holidays and high value spending. Investigators found that the organizers actively promoted their games to individuals involved in serious criminality, even boasting about the presence of drug dealers and organized crime group members. Authorities emphasized that participants suffered significant financial losses without any player protection or addiction support measures.
