Repeat offender Luton security boss pleads guilty to working without a licence  

On Tuesday 4 June in Luton, Robert Dass pleaded guilty to two counts under the Private Security Industry Act; of working as an unlicensed security director and a security manager.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) brought the prosecution against Dass, who admitted being the director of Roberts Nationwide Support Services Ltd. His guilty plea came ahead of a trial at Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court. Dass will next appear at Luton Crown Court on 28 June for proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Nathan Salmon, SIA Criminal Investigations Manager said:

"The guilty plea entered by the defendant in this case highlights the fact that the SIA will robustly prosecute those who fail to comply with the security industry licensing regime. Our team has had previous dealings with Mr Dass and this action seeks to address ongoing non-compliance with security regulations.

Regulation exists in order to protect those who use contracted security services and the general public, and to ensure the effectiveness of the security businesses that operate within the industry."

SIA investigators were checking licences in London in October 2017 when they discovered that Mr Dass was identified as manager and supervisor to security staff at one venue. Further investigation revealed that he was also acting as a shadow director. The investigators spoke to the security guards he employed, who confirmed that he was acting as a director, and that they viewed him as the head of the company. SIA investigators also gathered evidence from his clients, who were ready to identify Mr Dass as the controlling mind at his trial.

Dass declined a formal interview claiming that he was sick, however, he was unable to provide evidence of his illness to the SIA. As a result, the SIA decided to prosecute him for the second time.

The SIA had originally prosecuted Robert Dass in March 2016. He was found guilty, along with his business Nationwide Security Management Ltd, at Luton Crown Court of supplying multiple unlicensed security guards at sites across the UK.

He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,000. His company was also found guilty on four counts and was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,000.

Nathan Salmon, added:

"His guilty plea this time shows that Mr Dass continued to act within the security industry as a shadow director and manager of security operatives, trading under a different named company. Shadow Directorships, and creating a "phoenix" business in this manner, is unacceptable to the vast majority of reputable businesses operating within our industry. We have therefore moved to instigate Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings aimed at removing criminal benefit and curb ongoing involvement in our industry."

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 Notes to Editors:

1. By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Managers and Directors of such operatives must also hold an SIA licence.  Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on the website.

2. The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act (2001) that is mentioned in the above news release is contravention: Section 3 working without a licence.

3. POCA investigations consider criminal offending in a proceeding six-year period, which may lead to a court applying a confiscation order for the return of assets derived for criminal activity.  The Act is available online viahttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/12/contents.

Further information:

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: The compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit:www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0207 025 4363

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk