A UK police squad dedicated to fighting out credit card fraud has recovered 36,000 cards and card details in its first two years of operation. The Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU) estimates it work has prevented £65m in fraudulent losses during its two year pilot.

The DCPCU was set up to in April 2002 to target the organised gangs who are responsible for the lion's share of the UK's card fraud losses, amounting to £402m in 2003. It has successfully prosecuted all kinds of card fraudsters but has particularly focused on the scams carried out by counterfeiting gangs who often run sophisticated factory-style operations. The squad's successes have also helped combat other more serious criminal activity such as the trade in drugs, illegal immigrants and counterfeit goods, which are often funded by card fraud profits.

By John Leyden at The Register.

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