According to reports, three people have been arrested as part of an international investigation into millions of pounds worth of PPE fraud in the United Kingdom.
On Wednesday, a man in his fifties, his wife, and a man aged 39 were arrested following the search of two residences in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and a third in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire.
Numerous high-value items, such as a car, jewelry, watches, and appliances, as well as proof of major cash purchases, were seized during the property searches, suggesting that they together scammed firms around the world out of $1.9 million.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that the guy in his fifties is alleged to have established a UK firm specifically for the purpose of operating a fraudulent operation that allowed him to profit from personal protective equipment shortages during the height of the coronavirus outbreak.
His wife is thought to have cooperated in the laundering of the funds, while the third man aided in the scam.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that the guy in his fifties is alleged to have established a UK firm specifically for the purpose of operating a fraudulent operation that allowed him to profit from personal protective equipment shortages during the height of the coronavirus outbreak.
His wife is thought to have cooperated in the laundering of the funds, while the third man aided in the scam.
The three were arrested on suspicion of advance fee fraud, in which victims pay beforehand for nonexistent goods, services, or financial rewards.
Investigators assert that the unnamed corporation brokered sales agreements worth more than $28.9 million to deliver nitrile gloves, which are widely used in medical settings, to companies in the United States and Germany.
The overseas corporations reportedly paid an advance fee to the British company to cover initial costs and obtain contracts, but the money was deposited into a third-party-managed holding account.
The holding account provided assurances that cash deposited would not be released unless contract criteria were completed; nevertheless, the NCA stated on Wednesday that the pair is thought to have accessed and benefited from the funds without meeting their contractual duties.
Mick Pope, NCA branch commander, said: “During the pandemic, both individuals and businesses were impacted by criminal opportunists. The NCA prioritised and tackled a range of serious organised crime threats, including fraud.”
False business agreements that turn out to be fraud damage the reputation of the UK and hurt our economy. We continue to treat this as a priority area and thank Leicestershire Police for their ongoing support.
Work is underway with law enforcement partners in the US and Germany to further this investigation.
The three suspects remain in custody, and interviews are ongoing, the NCA added.
Source – Tru News Report
