Fraud gang sentenced after £250k courier scam across UK

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 09:28 · Archive

Four people have been sentenced following an investigation into a courier fraud gang that scammed more than £250,000 from victims across the UK.

Four people have been sentenced following an investigation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) into a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that scammed more than £250,000 from victims across the country.

The investigation began after an elderly man was contacted by fraudsters claiming to be representatives of his bank. He was told there had been fraudulent activity on his account and that a courier would visit his home to collect his bank cards, PIN number and phone. According to police, the scammers subsequently used the cards to make large cash withdrawals and purchases.

As officers investigated, they uncovered further victims across the country, including one in Colchester. Other victims were identified in Newcastle, Northumberland, Cleveland, Darlington, Leeds, Keswick, Shipley, Derbyshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

NEROCU officers, supported by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police, identified suspects and carried out a series of arrests. During searches of cars, investigators found thousands of pounds worth of Apple products and high-value items from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Police also recovered multiple mobile phones and bank cards in other people's names.

Saif Hussain, 31, of Gilpin View, Leeds, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Brendan Mbara, 27, of Middleton Little Road, Allerton Bywater, Castleford, admitted conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, receiving a sentence of three years and ten months.

How it is being reported

• Fraud gang sentenced after Essex victim caught up in £250k scamColchester victim among those targeted by courier fraud gang that scammed more than £250,000 nationwide, as four people are sentenced after NEROCU probe.Echo (Basildon) · 26 Oct, 08:45
• Fraud gang sentenced after Essex victim caught up in £250k scamColchester victim among those targeted by courier fraud gang that scammed more than £250,000 nationwide, as four people are sentenced after NEROCU probe.Brentwood Guardian · 26 Oct, 08:45
• Fraud gang sentenced after Essex victim caught up in £250k scamColchester victim among those targeted by courier fraud gang that scammed more than £250,000 nationwide, as four people are sentenced after NEROCU probe.Colchester Gazette · 26 Oct, 08:45

In this story: Colchester · North East Regional Organised Crime Unit · Saif Hussain · Brendan Mbara · Leeds · Castleford

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