Three men have been convicted of stealing £120,000 from victims through a complex scam.
Detectives discovered in September 2020, that elderly and vulnerable victims throughout the North East and West Yorkshire had been targeted by criminals who were carrying out a version of courier fraud.
The scam involves criminals posing as police officers, bank staff and other figures of authority. They make telephone calls to victims and convince them that their bank accounts have been scammed.
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The criminals then ask them to help investigate by supplying "vital evidence" in the form of cash, valuables and bank details. They use the information to steal high sums of money from victims, which includes asking them to send valuables and cash through the post.
Expert fraud officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) launched an investigation when they became aware of the scam. Their enquiries led them to Mehakdeep Thind, 33, Amadeep Sokhal, 36, and Kulwinder Singh, 25.
Thind pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Sokhal and Singh denied the charges put before them and underwent a five-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Sokhal was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering and Singh was convicted of money laundering at in December last year. On Friday, (March 3) they were sentenced at the court in Newcastle.
Thind, of no fixed abode in the London area, was sentenced to five years and seven months for conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID.
Sokhal, of Allenby Road, Southall, London, was sentenced to four years six months for conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID.
Singh, of Old Cote Drive, Hounslow, Middlesex, was sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for 18 months for money laundering and 240 hours community service.
NEROCU Detective Constable Andy Smith, officer in the case, said: "This is a callous crime type in which ruthless criminals target the most vulnerable members of our communities. I wish to commend the bravery of the victims, who supported this case and ensured that justice prevailed.
"As always we urge anyone who is concerned that they have been a victim of crime to get in touch and always speak to someone you trust before giving anyone money or your personal information.
"Police officers or your bank will never ask you to hand over money, transfer funds, or send cash and valuables via post. If you receive a call like this, do not interact - hang up and report it immediately."
NEROCU Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy added: "We have seen some excellent results recently, with a high number of fraudsters and organised criminals being convicted for their illegal activity. Our work in detecting and preventing fraud will continue and we promise our efforts will not slow down.
"Along with our partners, we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who seek to scam vulnerable and unsuspecting people under the banner of Operation Sentinel – our region-wide initiative to tackle serious and organised crime in all its forms."
Anyone who thinks they might have been a victim of courier fraud is asked to:
- call NEROCU on 101
- call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- Report it online at the Action Fraud website.
- Report to their local police force by calling 101 or via their website.
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