Fraudster Jailed over Multi-Million Pound PPE Scam
BBC News reports on a significant case involving fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criminal Convictions and Sentences
A fraudster, Craig Morris, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for his role in a multi-million pound personal protective equipment (PPE) scam. Jogesh Bhandari, another key figure, was convicted but could not attend the sentencing due to health reasons.
The Scam Unfolded
During the pandemic, Morris and Bhandari exploited the desperate demand for PPE by pretending to have large supplies for sale in the US and Germany. They operated under the company name Banton. Through fraudulent contracts with Med18 and MedTech, they defrauded millions of pounds, using the proceeds for personal gain, including luxury purchases and property investments.
Financial Losses and Recovery
The court heard that Jogesh Bhandari obtained £1.75 million through the fraud, while Meenakashi Bhandari, his wife, laundered £960,000. The NCA revealed that Morris received regular payments of £5,000 from Jogesh until their fallout in late 2021.
Legal Proceedings
All three defendants were convicted at Leicester Crown Court in July on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and concealing/transferring criminal property. Judge William Harbage KC expressed dissatisfaction with Jogesh's absence due to lack of medical evidence, issuing a bench warrant for his arrest. He is expected to be sentenced on October 16th.