**Key Figures in UK Crime Ring Apprehended by Police at Welsh Builders Merchants**
Two individuals found to be integral agents within a sophisticated nationwide fraud operation were apprehended by police earlier this year at two South Wales builders’ merchants, following a large-scale investigation into criminal activities targeting vulnerable people across the UK.
The duo, Benjamin Poyton and Liam Jones, had made the considerable journey of over 250 miles from Lancashire to the Swansea area, where their illicit operation involved the purchase of high-value copper tubing and related items using bank card details stolen from elderly victims. These materials were then swiftly sold for cash at scrap metal yards, allowing the pair and those behind them to profit at the expense of the innocent.
During their recent appearance at Swansea Crown Court, both Poyton and Jones were described as “vital cogs” in what Judge Paul Thomas KC called a “large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise”. Although these two individuals faced justice, the court acknowledged that those orchestrating and benefitting most from the crime remain at large – highlighting the complex and shadowy structure of modern organised crime.
Prosecutor Dean Pulling detailed how, between 19 and 26 March, fraudulent orders totalling nearly £10,000 were placed with two Swansea-area building suppliers, LBS in Landore and JA Daly in Ystradgynlais. The orders, made under bogus company identities, were all paid for over the phone with stolen card details, and collected in person by the defendants using hired vans.
The conspiracy was exposed when shop management at LBS became suspicious and contacted the police. Officers attended and watched as Poyton arrived to collect yet another fraudulent order. He was promptly arrested and, perhaps aware the game was up, reportedly told officers, “I knew I was running on thin ice.” Notably, Poyton refused to provide the PIN to his mobile phone, telling police he’d rather not “chance what I have on that”, suggesting possibly incriminating evidence remained on the device.
Remarkably, the plotters persisted even after Poyton’s arrest. Within hours, another fraudulent call was made to LBS, checking that an order had been collected. The store manager, co-operating with police, pretended all was normal, and when Jones arrived in a VW Crafter van, he too was arrested at the scene.
Subsequent searches revealed evidence tying the men not only to the Swansea incidents but to previous criminal dealings. Police recovered a scrap yard receipt for copper pipes sold in Cardiff, and CCTV confirmed regular drop-offs by Poyton over several days. Investigations also found the pair had been staying together in a local hotel while conducting the scam.
In sentencing, Judge Thomas differentiated the defendants on their criminal histories and prospects for rehabilitation. Poyton, from Darwen in Blackburn, with 28 previous offences including crimes of dishonesty, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be served immediately. Jones, also of Blackburn, had no prior convictions but was under investigation by City of London Police at the time. He received a suspended 14-month sentence, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and must take part in a rehabilitation programme. The judge remarked that Jones had “avoided immediate imprisonment by the skin of your teeth”, urging reflection on the impact on his family, whom he claimed to be concerned for, even as he committed serious fraud.
Defence counsel argued both men were directed by others higher in the criminal hierarchy and were not involved in acquiring stolen bank details or orchestrating the overall scheme. Poyton claimed he was paid only to make the trips and collect materials—a role described as hazardous by his solicitor. Defence for Jones emphasised his lack of history, previous military service, and family responsibilities.
This case shines a light on the subtle and evolving methods used by organised crime groups—methods that often prey on vulnerable members of society and exploit legitimate businesses for criminal gain. While two pivotal members have been brought to justice, the wider network remains a focus for ongoing police investigation, reflecting the continuing challenges faced in tackling organised fraud in the UK.