A man being investigated as part of a major Met Police operation against a suspected organised crime group has admitted three counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place.

Carl Robinson, 49, was one of a number of people who became the focus of police enquiries when 800 officers swooped on 24 properties across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk in the early hours of Tuesday last week.

The operation, which also involved HMRC and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is believed to have been targeting the ‘Hunt Syndicate’ – a criminal network linked to suspected gangster David Hunt. 

Met detectives are looking into finance offences, including tax evasion and money laundering, as well as a conspiracy to commit GBH.

During a search of Robinson’s £1million-plus, five-bedroom country cottage home, officers found a blue bladed karambit knife, and two flick knives with black and ivory handles respectively.

He was charged with one count each of possessing offensive weapons in a private place.

Robinson appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 1 when he pleaded guilty to each offence.

He appeared at the same court the next day when the case was adjourned until November 2 to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Carl Robinson, 49, has admitted three counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place

Officers found several a search of Robinson’s £1million-plus, five-bedroom country cottage home

He was warned he could face custody and was bailed to reside at his home address.

Robinson was convicted of similar offences last year.

On April 8, 2025, he was found in possession of an array of weapons, including two samurai swords, two knuckle dusters, a large bladed K25 tactical knife, a wooden-handled machete and a friction lock baton.

He admitted eight counts of possessing offensive weapons in a private place at Thames Magistrates’ Court on April 10 last year.

On June 10, 2025 he received a 12-month rehabilitation order with £4,085 of fines, costs and victim surcharge. 

Three other people have been charged with unconnected offences following last week’s raids.

Andreas Nicolas, 64, of Duxford, Cambridgeshire was charged with possession of a revolver and possession of an electricity-discharging weapon.

The company director was remanded in custody and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 1.

Chartered accountant Charles Charalambous, 56, of Cockfosters, was charged with wounding with intent to cause GBH to resist arrest in relation to an incident where a police officer was stabbed while executing a warrant during the raids.

He appeared at the same court on September 30 and indicated he would plead not guilty to wounding with intent to prevent or resist arrest

Prosecutor David Burns told the court that a sum of cash totalling £500,000 was found at the property.

The court heard that Charalambous, who was at home with his wife and three children, suspected burglars were breaking in when police arrived.

Defending, Clea Topolski told the court that the police officers were wearing ‘balaclavas and dark clothing’ and that they came in the ‘dead of night’.

She said her client was acting in self-defence.  

He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 29. 

Bradley Byford, 37, of Bishop’s Stortford was charged with possession of an electricity-discharging weapon. 

His case was adjourned until October 28 at Southwark Crown Court.