Detectives from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) have once again put organised criminals behind bars after another operation into courier fraud.

Adam Rankin, 32, Paul Brown, 27, and Irfan Yousaf, 41, are adjusting to prison life after they were handed jail sentences for their involvement in a fraud across the Durham area that targeted four victims.

Between May and August 2022, the three men contacted vulnerable and often elderly victims by telephone claiming to be from their Bank’s ‘Fraud Squad’. They claimed the victim’s savings were at risk and needed to be safeguarded.

The fraudsters used complex and manipulative tactics to convince their victims to transfer money into other bank accounts and to leave cheques for couriers to collect.

They also used the victim’s personal information to take out loans and a credit card in the victim’s name.

A police operation was quickly launched and NEROCU officers, supported by Durham Police and Police Scotland, were able to identify the three men, all residing in Scotland, and swiftly arrested them before charging them all with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by False Representation.

Brown pleaded guilty however, Rankin and Yousaf elected to go to trial at Durham Crown Court. The evidence against them was overwhelming and the duo were convicted by a jury on August 2.

Today (Wednesday), the three appeared at the same court and were sentenced as follows:

Adam Rankin, of Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton, was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Paul Brown, of Crosslet Place, Dumbarton, was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Irfan Yousaf, of Bran Court, Glasgow, was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Nichola Gaines, said: “Those targeted, suffered a total financial loss of over £50,000 with the emotional impact being just as damaging.

“This has been the result of dedicated work of all involved and it wouldn’t have been possible without some fantastic partnership working.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant Gillian Coulson, added: “As part of Operation Sentinel, our region wide partnership approach to tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms, we will continue to target fraudsters and disrupt their criminal activity.

 “Offenders typically target elderly or vulnerable people and purport to be from a trusted institution such as a bank or the police. They prey on people’s trust and exploit it for illicit gains.

“We urge the public to speak to elderly relatives and explain the dangers of courier fraud.

“Remember no bank or police officer will contact you to withdraw money from your account. If you think a phone call could be a scam, hang up, wait a few minutes and call them on a number you know to be genuine, such as the one on the back of your bank card.”

To report fraud, contact your local police force or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk