Suspect Admits Weapons Charges in Operation Against Notorious Crime Syndicate

Carl Robinson, 49, has admitted to three counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place. His plea came after his arrest during a large-scale police operation targeting the alleged 'Hunt Syndicate', a criminal network believed to be involved in finance offenses, including tax evasion and money laundering, as well as a conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

The charges against Robinson stem from a raid on his country home, valued at over £1 million. Officers discovered a blue-bladed karambit knife and two flick knives during the search. Robinson entered his guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 1, with the case adjourned until November 2 for a pre-sentence report. He was warned that a custodial sentence was possible and was granted bail.

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 large bladed K25 tactical knife, a machete, and a friction lock baton. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place and, on June 10, 2025, received a 12-month rehabilitation order along with fines and costs totaling £4,085.

The operation last week involved 800 officers and saw raids on 24 properties across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. It was a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Police, HMRC, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Three other individuals have been charged with unrelated offenses in connection with the broader investigation. Andreas Nicolas, 64, was charged with possession of a revolver and an electricity-discharging weapon. Chartered accountant Charles Charalambous, 56, faces a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to resist arrest. The incident reportedly occurred when a police officer was stabbed while executing a warrant during the raids. Charalambous has indicated he will plead not guilty to this charge. Bradley Byford, 37, was charged with possession of an electricity-discharging weapon.

During the raids, £500,000 in cash was reportedly discovered at one of the properties. Charalambous's defense stated that he believed burglars were breaking in when officers arrived, noting they were in dark clothing and balaclavas, and he was acting in self-defense.