Three men sentenced after elderly and vulnerable targeted.
Last updated 6th Mar 2023
Three men have been sentenced as action across the region continues to tackle fraud against elderly and vulnerable victims.
The latest criminal organisation to face the robust action of officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) have found themselves behind bars.
Amadeep Sokhal, 36, Kulwinder Singh, 25, and Mehakdeep Thind, 33, are paying the consequences of their actions after they stole £120,000 from victims.
In September 2020, detectives discovered that elderly and vulnerable victims throughout the North East and West Yorkshire had been targeted by criminals carrying out a version of the crime type known as courier fraud.
The complex scam involves criminals making telephone calls to victims, posing as police officers, bank staff and other figures of authority, and convince them that their bank accounts have been scammed. The criminals then and ask them to help investigate by supplying ‘vital evidence’ in the form of cash, valuables and bank details. This information is then used to steal high sums of money from victims, which includes asking them to send valuables and cash through the post.
When expert fraud officers from the NEROCU became aware, they quickly launched an investigation and it wasn’t long before their enquiries led them straight to Sokhal, Singh and Thind.
Following their arrest and subsequent charge, Thind pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering but his associates Sokhal and Singh, underwent a five-week trial after denying the charges put before them.
The duo was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court in December last year. Sokhal was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering and Singh was convicted of money laundering.
On March 3, the three appeared before the same court and were handed the following sentences:
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 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 said: “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.”
If you think you might have been a victim of courier fraud, please contact us via 101 or Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040. You can also report it online at the Action Fraud website.
Alternatively, you can report to your local police force by calling 101 or via their website.