Cardiff Man Fined for Illegal Security Work at Rhondda Site
Illegal Security Guard Caught Red-Handed
A Cardiff man, Aymen Essa, was fined £100 and slapped with £846 in prosecution costs after being caught working as a security guard without the proper licence. He also faces a £40 victim surcharge following a court appearance at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court.
How the Scam Unravelled
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched the prosecution after South Wales Police tipped them off. On January 8, 2023, officers rushed to a construction site alarm in Rhondda, only to find Essa on duty in a hi-vis jacket — but no SIA licence in sight.
Despite being deployed by a Cardiff-based security company with the contract, Essa couldn’t prove he was officially licensed to protect the site. The SIA’s Criminal Investigations team took over, inviting him for an interview in May 2023. He refused to answer questions and bluntly told them, “take me to court.”
Warning to Employers: Vet Your Security Staff Properly
“Aymen Essa was found working illegally at a construction site in Rhondda,” said Mark Chapman, SIA Criminal Investigations manager. “Given his past, it’s clear he’s not fit to hold an SIA licence. Employers must do proper due diligence when hiring security personnel. Failure to comply will lead to strict regulatory action.”
Chapman also praised South Wales Police for their teamwork in bringing this case to justice. The saga underscores how vital it is for firms to thoroughly vet their security hires to ensure public safety and follow the law.
