A steel tycoon has blasted Police Scotland over its officers’ “failure” to probe an alleged £120,000 fraud.
Richard Orsman claims his metal company was stung by a firm claiming to be based in Airdrie.
It agreed to buy steel from Orsman’s Devoran Metals Ltd and the shipment was delivered.
But payment was never received by the Cornwall- based company and the tycoon believes it is a bogus firm set up by someone using a false identity.
Richard said: “Police Scotland are just playing ball with it and I’m not quite sure why.”
Richard also reported the alleged fraud to Devon and Cornwall Police.
They told him to contact police north of the Border – while Scots officers said their English counterparts should investigate.
Richard was advised to make a report through Action Fraud which would be sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
The 60-year-old hired a private investigation firm and launched a legal bid to recover the cash.
A decree was granted in Scots courts, meaning the firm has to pay Richard what it owes. But attempts to track it down have failed.
Now Richard has been left in limbo over the fraud, which happened last year.
Police in England and Scotland have given him “conflicting information” about what to do, while NFIB said “nothing could be done.”
Richard said: “He (the buyer) is obviously not who he says he is, he’s nicked someone’s identity. We’ve been duped, as have several other people from what we’ve heard.
“He’s taken the steel, sold it on somewhere and got paid for it. But he was a trading entity.
“Police Scotland said I should contact my local force and that it ‘is not a Police Scotland inquiry at this time’.
“The police have done absolutely nothing to help us. I’m flabbergasted with what I’ve been told.”
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “I am keen to ensure Mr Orsman is given the right advice and would welcome contact to discuss the particulars of his case.”
Police Scotland and the NFIB were contacted for comment.
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