Suspect Admits Weapons Charges Amid Major Crime Syndicate Investigation

Carl Robinson, 49, has admitted to three counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place. The plea comes after he was investigated as part of a significant Met Police operation targeting a suspected organized crime group, referred to as the 'Hunt Syndicate,' believed to be linked to gangster David Hunt.

The operation, which involved approximately 800 officers, saw raids on 24 properties across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk in the early hours of October 1.

During a search of Robinson's country home, valued at over £1 million, officers discovered a blue-bladed karambit knife and two flick knives. He was subsequently charged with one count of possessing each offensive weapon in a private place.

Robinson entered his guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 1. The case was adjourned to November 2 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He was warned that a custodial sentence was possible and was granted bail to reside at his home address.

This is not Robinson's first conviction for similar offenses. On April 8, 2025, he was found in possession of multiple weapons, including two samurai swords, knuckle dusters, a tactical knife, a machete, and a friction lock baton. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place on April 10, 2025, and on June 10, 2025, received a 12-month rehabilitation order along with fines and costs totaling £4,085.

In addition to Robinson, three other individuals have been charged with unrelated offenses stemming from the raids. Andreas Nicolas, 64, faces charges for possession of a revolver and an electricity-discharging weapon. Chartered accountant Charles Charalambous, 56, has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) to resist arrest, related to an incident where a police officer was reportedly stabbed during the execution of a warrant. Charalambous has indicated he will plead not guilty. Bradley Byford, 37, has been charged with possession of an electricity-discharging weapon.

During the raids, authorities also seized approximately £500,000 in cash. The police investigation is reportedly examining finance offenses, including tax evasion and money laundering, as well as a conspiracy to commit GBH.