So a CPL has no more privileges on this than a PPL?
If you have 700 hours and an AOC, yes you do. You can also do airwork etc which a PPL can't do (for money).
You have to understand what an AOC is (no offense). It means that not everyone can do whatever they like. Aircraft maintenance, Crew qualifications, training and currency, Financial garantees etc..... all form part of a granted AOC.
The pilot is one part and his licence is no more than the right to work. A bit like a passport without a working visa (the AOC).
The two in the UK doing this had the CAA on their back and one was caught because he didn't raise the 2 invoices. One carried newspapers the other carried eels i think!
I used to work for the one carrying eels... The cargo was company cargo and no PAX other than company employees. I m surprised there was anything illegal in this but it is also perhaps to do with the fact that they used a Cessna Caravan and have been trying to get an AOC for single engine public transport. A no, no with the UK CAA.