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Two men who targeted a variety of small businesses across England and Wales have been imprisoned following an investigation by the South East Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
Yusef Tourino, aged 28 and George Campion, aged 25, both of no fixed abode, were sentenced yesterday (24/6) at Portsmouth Crown Court for their roles in a series of fraud, theft and money laundering offences.
From November 2023 until November 2025, Tourino travelled to locations across England and Wales, committing over 64 frauds and two thefts on a variety of small businesses such as vet surgeries and hotels, reaching over 22 different counties from North Wales and Manchester down to Kent, Hampshire and Avon and Somerset.
During March 2024, Campion assisted Tourino in carrying out a number of fraud’s and thefts on small businesses across Nottingham and Llandudno.
As part of his offending, Tourino used stolen card details to purchase goods, manipulating transaction values to increase the amounts charged. He would then request refunds to accounts under his control.
Upon his arrest in November 2025, Tourino was found in possession of a number of high-value items including clothing and mobile phones. Analysis of his bank accounts showed he was spending the proceeds on hire cars, hotels, gambling and the purchase of luxury goods.
At a hearing in Portsmouth Crown Court on 22 April, Tourino pleaded guilty to 64 counts of fraud, 2 counts of theft and 3 counts of money laundering amounting to £462,000.
Tourino was sentenced yesterday (24/6) to 5 years and 3 months’ imprisonment for the above offences. The sentence was reduced by 25% from 7 years to account for his early guilty plea.
Campion was also sentenced yesterday (24/6) to 1 year and 9 months’ imprisonment for 1 count of theft and 4 counts of fraud and perverting the course of justice.
Confiscation proceedings will now commence to recover assets seized from Tourino. He has also been issued with a Serious Crime Prevention Order, following his release from prison.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Rob Havelock of SEROCU’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “This sentence is a result of a lengthy and complex investigation, demonstrating the hard work and tenacity of our teams.
“The investigation team worked diligently, over a short period, to obtain CCTV from across the country as well as securing digital and financial evidence, which ultimately led to us securing criminal charges against Tourino.
“Forensic accounting showed that a total of £462,000 was obtained via fraudulent refunds and laundered between November 2023 and November 2025. Tourino, then used these funds to purchase high value goods and live a lifestyle he otherwise could not afford.
“Tourino and Campion may have thought they could get away with it, but our investigators stuck to the trail of the money and uncovered a series of bank accounts, set up via a network of money mules, for the purposes of layering the stolen funds.
“I hope this sends a clear message: anyone involved in this kind of scam, or trying to cheat the financial system, will be brought to justice.”
If you have concerns about financial crime or money laundering, or any information you think may be useful to us, you should call us on 101 or report it via Live Chat on our website.
Notes to editors:
The sentence length and age of Campion has been ammended