Three suspected fraudsters remanded at court

Thanks to officer’s quick actions, three suspects have been remanded at court following an investigation into fraud and money laundering.

On Thursday (August 28), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) jumped into action after they received a report from Northumbria Police of an elderly man in Kenton, who had been contacted by fraudsters claiming to be from his bank.

They informed the victim that there had been fraudulent activity involving his bank account and that a courier would attend his home address to collect his bank cards, pin number and phone.

The scammers then used the cards to make large cash withdrawals and purchases – estimated to be tens of thousands.

NEROCU officers were able to identify a suspect and a vehicle involved. Further enquiries showed the car travelling in the Manchester area and thanks to the support of Greater Manchester Police, the car was stopped.

Searches of the car resulted in the discovery of thousands of pounds worth of Apple products and high value items from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Additionally, police uncovered multiple mobile phones and bank cards in the names of others in the vehicle.

A man, 26, and two women, 32 and 26, were arrested and subsequently charged with False Representation, Conspiracy to Defraud and Money Laundering. The man was also charged with Driving while Disqualified, No Insurance and Driving Otherwise than in Accordance with a Licence.

The three appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on August 30, and were remanded at court. They are due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 29.

NEROCU Detective Constable Sophie Snowdon, part of NEROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: “Courier Fraud is an abhorrent crime which generally targets the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities.

“Our subsequent enquiries have led to two further victims being identified in West Yorkshire and Essex and we believe there may be more.

“The harm this type of crime causes is immeasurable, and we will continue to work hard to target criminals who commit such offences.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation, our partners in Northumbria Police and Greater Manchester Police, this has been a fantastic display of a united police front against suspected fraudsters.”

Anyone who has any information about criminal activity, can report it to their local police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Fraud can also be reported to Action Fraud through their website or 0300 123 2040.