Alleged Fraudsters Arrested at Construction Safety Test Centre

Police investigating suspected fraud at a construction safety test centre in Winchester have made four arrests, following a referral from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Officers began investigating the test centre after receiving information that it was accepting payments to help people fraudulently pass CITB HSE tests.

The CITB HSE test is required to gain a CSCS card which proves that construction workers have appropriate training and qualifications to work on site.

Alleged Fraudsters Arrested

Police seized electronics and cash in raids in Winchester and Southampton on Sunday.

The alleged fraudsters – a 47-year-old man from Southampton, a 25-year-old man from Birmingham, a 46-year-old man from Swindon, and a 53-year-old man from West Bromwich – have been released on bail until 15 May whilst enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Jamie Johnson from the Economic Crime Unit said: “Helping people fraudulently pass these tests puts not only the subject themselves, but also those working around them, at serious risk of harm, as they are entering building sites without proper training and understanding of how to carry out work safely.

“To be knowingly involved in and profiting off of an operation that could, in the worst case scenario, cause serious injury or even death through malpractice is something that we take incredibly seriously. We are working alongside the Construction Industry Training Board to ensure anyone involved in this criminal activity is brought to justice.”

Taking Action

Marcus Mills, CSCS Fraud Prevention Manager, added: “We welcome these arrests, as unqualified workers and those without the right health and safety training can put people at risk on site and endanger the wider public.

“CSCS works closely with Awarding Organisations, CITB, HMRC, the Police, Trading Standards and other regulators to verify qualifications, investigate malpractice at training centres, and take action against anyone trying to deceive the industry.

“While CSCS does not own or operate tests or test centres, where we are alerted to fraud we will cancel cards retrospectively. We urge employers and principal contractors to check cards regularly using CSCS Smart Check, which helps identify counterfeit and revoked cards.”

Construction employers can use a range of services provided by Awarding Organisations and Card Schemes, including CITB card checker and CSCS Smart Check, to establish the legitimacy of any cards, certificates, and qualifications.

Alternatively, people can report matters confidentially via report.it@citb.co.uk.

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