In an unusual display of law enforcement ingenuity, officers from the Metropolitan Police utilized a creative tactic to apprehend two individuals suspected of running illegal gambling operations on Westminster Bridge.
Recognizing that their presence during routine patrols had become noticeable to the scammers, Inspector Darren Watson and PC Abdi Osman adopted an unexpected approach: they disguised themselves as Batman and Robin. Donning full superhero costumes complete with masks and capes, the officers executed a surprise operation on February 15th.
According to Inspector Watson, who embodied the role of Batman, the decision stemmed from a need for unconventional action. “I realized we needed to think differently if we were going to succeed,” he stated. “And then it dawned on me that we had these costumes available.” PC Osman skillfully played the part of Robin in this operation aimed at disrupting illegal street traders preying on tourists with rigged gambling games, particularly variations of the “three-cups challenge” or “shell game.”
The sting resulted in the arrest of Eugen Stocia, 32, and Constica-Gerorghe Barbu, 53. Both were initially charged with providing facilities for illegal gambling.
- Eugen Stocia: After being granted bail, he fled the United Kingdom. He was subsequently convicted in his absence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest to determine his sentence.
- Constica-Gerorghe Barbu: He was convicted at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on February 17th and fined £925.
Inspector Watson, responsible for neighborhood policing in Lambeth North West, emphasized the success of this unorthodox strategy.
“While dressing up might not be a typical policing method,” he explained, “we were delighted to see it worked so effectively in this instance. Our team achieved excellent results, removing these individuals from the streets and safeguarding tourists and Londoners from being defrauded.”
The Metropolitan Police playfully acknowledged the planning process on social media: “They have spotters. You need to go undercover. They always see you coming.”
Westminster Bridge, despite its proximity to the Houses of Parliament and New Scotland Yard, has earned a reputation as an area plagued by criminal activity. These illegal gambling gangs often target unsuspecting tourists with their deceptive games.
One tourist reported on TikTok losing £400 within two minutes playing a rigged cup-and-ball game on the bridge in 2022.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson affirmed, “We are aware of public concerns regarding criminality on Westminster Bridge. We will persist in targeting those involved, making arrests and bringing them before the courts.” Recent months have seen other forms of criminal activity reported on the bridge as well.
