Man admits laundering money from fake Norwich rental scam

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Jamie Lee admitted money laundering after allowing criminal proceeds from a fake rental property scam to be transferred into his bank account.

Jamie Lee, 35, of Cathedral Street in Norwich, admitted money laundering after allowing money to be transferred into his bank account despite suspecting it was proceeds from fraud. Fake adverts offering short-term places to stay in Norwich were placed on Facebook, but when would-be tenants who had paid deposits turned up they found the properties locked and not available for rent.

Norwich Magistrates' Court was told four men seeking temporary accommodation while working on the construction of Sizewell C had been conned into paying a total of more than £1,200 in deposits and rent. Perran Stephens, 34, of Norwich Road in Wymondham, was convicted in July 2025 of fraud by false representation over adverts placed between July 20 and August 31, 2024.

Lee had originally pleaded not guilty to fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property, but admitted the money laundering charge at his expected trial. His defence said he had played a secondary role and had difficult personal circumstances with four children and serious health issues that meant he was on benefits. Prosecutors withdrew the fraud allegation against him.

How it is being reported

• Man laundered money from fake rental property scam that conned tenants of depositsJamie Lee allowed money to be transferred into his bank account despite suspecting it was proceeds from Facebook property advert fraud. Man admits money laundering over fake Norwich rental scamNorwich Evening News · 20 Oct, 10:45
• Man laundered money from fake rental property scam that conned tenants of depositsJamie Lee allowed money to be transferred into his bank account despite suspecting it was proceeds from Facebook property advert fraud. Man admits money laundering over fake Norwich rental scamEastern Daily Press · 20 Oct, 10:45

In this story: Jamie Lee · Perran Stephens · Norwich · Sizewell C

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