Tag: Crime

Ban and tagging for directors who abused Bounce Back Loan scheme

Three businessmen each claimed the maximum £50k Bounce Back Loan and one dissolved his company to avoid repayment

Ivan Hristov Fratev, 57 and Bradley Malone, 57, both from London, and Ryan William Moir, 34, from East Sussex, have been banned from running businesses for a total of 26 years, after each separately claimed £50,000 for their companies in breach of the loan scheme’s rules.

Fratev was also given a 2-year suspended sentence with 4 months’ electronically tagged curfew, at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 23 June 2023, in addition to a 6-year ban, for dissolving his business after taking out the loan. The judge also included 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) as part of his suspended sentence.

Fratev was the sole director of Chingford-based BI&F Ltd, which traded as a construction, security and extermination business from premises in Alpha Road. In May 2020 he applied for the maximum £50,000 Bounce Back Loan, designed to help businesses keep afloat through the pandemic.

But within two weeks of the money arriving in the company bank account, Fratev applied to dissolve BI&F Ltd, without informing the bank that had loaned him the money. Failure to notify creditors of plans to strike off a company is a criminal offence.

He was caught through powers granted to the Insolvency Service in December 2021, which allow it to investigate directors of dissolved companies who are suspected of closing their business to avoid repaying Covid-19 support loans.

Peter Fulham, Chief Investigator of the Criminal Investigation Team at the Insolvency Service said: “Covid-19 financial support schemes were funded from the public purse to support genuine businesses during the pandemic. Directors who abused the scheme have exploited taxpayers.

“This two-year suspended prison sentence, along with a curfew order and a 6-year disqualification, reflects the thoroughly dishonest conduct of Ivan Fratev and should serve as a warning to others who engaged in such behaviour.

“The Insolvency Service will act to remove directors who abused Bounce Back Loans from the business arena.”

In another case in London, Bradley Malone, the sole director of ONENETPRINT Ltd, a print business trading from Palmers Road in East London, applied for the maximum £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in June 2020, stating that his company’s previous year’s turnover was £200,000.

The Bounce Back Loan scheme allowed a business to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of the company turnover in calendar year 2019, with a maximum loan of £50,000.

The company went into liquidation in February 2022 owing the full amount of the loan, which triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

Malone told investigators that, during the application process, he had merely clicked ‘next’ on his phone, and the money arrived within the hour. But investigators discovered that Malone had in fact overstated the company’s turnover for 2019 in the application, to claim the maximum £50,000 loan.

They found that the company’s actual turnover for that year had been around £90,200, meaning ONENETPRINT Ltd had received around £27,400 more than it was entitled to, under the rules of the scheme.

In a third case, Ryan Moir, sole director of East Sussex-based Croxton Group Ltd, which traded as a builder from Green Street industrial estate in Eastbourne, applied for the maximum £50,000 Bounce Back Loan on behalf of his company in May 2020. He stated on the application that Croxton Group Ltd’s turnover the previous year had been £250,000.

When the company went into liquidation in May 2022, it owed around £184,500, including more than £49,400 towards the Bounce Back Loan. An investigation by the Insolvency Service showed that the company’s 2019 turnover had in fact been less than £21,000, meaning that Croxton Group Ltd had received almost 10 times more than it had been entitled to under the rules of the scheme.

The company’s liquidators are taking action to recover the money.

Malone and Moir were both banned from being company directors for 10 years, after the Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted disqualification undertakings from each director. Malone’s ban began on 17 July 2023, and Moir’s began on 19 July 2023. Fratev’s court-ordered 6-year disqualification started on 23 June 2023.

The bans prevent the former directors from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. In addition to his ban and two-year suspended sentence, Fratev is also subject to 4 months’ electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 7am, and was ordered to pay court costs of £500.

Man convicted of murder in Niddrie

A man has been found guilty of the murder of a man in Niddrie. At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, Ryan McCabe was found guilty following trial of the murder of Liam Maloney.

Mr Maloney, 30, died in hospital on Saturday, 7 May, 2022, two days after being stabbed by 49-year-old McCabe.

The attack happened during the evening of Thursday, 5 May, 2022 at the junction of Niddrie Marischal Grove and Niddrie Marischal Road in the east of the city.

Mr Maloney was taken to hospital but died as a result of his injuries.

McCabe was arrested and charged on Monday, 9 May, 2022 and has now been found guilty of murder and possession of a knife.

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh from the Major Investigation Team said: “Liam Maloney had a young family when his life was ended by the violent actions of Ryan McCabe. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this time.

“Violent incidents are completely unnecessary and unacceptable but are felt by the whole community. We will always act swiftly to deal with offenders to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”

McCabe is due to be sentenced at a later date.

UK Government orders independent inquiry following Lucy Letby verdict

Inquiry announced into circumstances behind murders and attempted murders of babies at Countess of Chester Hospital to help families get the answers they need

  • Inquiry announced into circumstances behind the murders and attempted murders of babies at Countess of Chester Hospital to help ensure families get the answers they need
  • The inquiry will look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths and incidents, including how concerns raised by clinicians were dealt with
  • Victims’ families will be invited to both engage with and shape the inquiry, ensuring their views are heard throughout the process

The UK Government has ordered an independent inquiry into the circumstances behind the horrific murders and attempted murders of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, following the guilty verdict in the trial of former neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby.

Launched to ensure vital lessons are learned and to provide answers to the parents and families impacted, the inquiry will investigate the wider circumstances around what happened at the Countess of Chester Hospital, including the handling of concerns and governance. It will also look at what actions were taken by regulators and the wider NHS.

It will ensure the families impacted in this tragic case have the opportunity to engage with the inquiry.

The government is committed to making the NHS one of the safest places in the world to give birth, and every single parent across the country deserves to feel confident that their babies are receiving safe and world-class treatment.

Work continues across England to ensure the highest possible standard of maternity and neonatal care.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I would like to send my deepest sympathy to all the parents and families impacted by this horrendous case.

“This inquiry will seek to ensure the parents and families impacted get the answers they need. I am determined their voices are heard, and they are involved in shaping the scope of the inquiry should they wish to do so.

“Following on from the work already underway by NHS England, it will help us identify where and how patient safety standards failed to be met and ensure mothers and their partners rightly have faith in our healthcare system.”

After careful consideration, a non-statutory independent inquiry was found to be the most appropriate option, building on the approach taken in other cases. It will focus on lessons that can be learned quickly.

The police have arrangements in place to appropriately support families who have been directly impacted by this awful case, including psychological support and family liaison officers.

The trust is offering as much support as necessary to any current or anticipated users of its neonatal and transitional care services. Senior clinical and nursing staff are also on standby to help and offer advice so families rightly feel supported.

A chair will be appointed, and we will publish the inquiry’s proposed terms of reference – setting out the scope of the work – in due course.

Dr Nigel Scawn, Medical Director, gave a statement to the media in response to the outcome of the trial of Lucy Letby:

‘I speak for the whole Trust when I say how deeply saddened and appalled we are at Lucy Letby’s crimes. We are extremely sorry that these crimes were committed at our hospital and our thoughts continue to be with all the families and loved ones of the babies who came to harm or died. We cannot begin to understand what they have been through.

‘This case has had a profound impact on our patients and our local community and also our staff – who come to work every day determined to provide safe and high-quality care for our patients.

‘Our staff are devastated by what happened and we are committed to ensuring lessons continue to be learnt. We are grateful for the cooperation of our staff, especially those who have maintained the utmost professionalism whilst giving evidence in the trial, sometimes on multiple occasions.

‘We will continue to support them and other staff to ensure they receive the care and support they need.

‘We would like to extend our thanks to Cheshire Police for their extensive investigation and the work they did to bring this case to trial. We’d also like to thank them for the comprehensive support they have provided to all of the families.

‘Since Lucy Letby worked at our hospital, we have made significant changes to our services. I want to provide reassurance that every patient who accesses our services can have confidence in the care they will receive.

‘And, most importantly, our thoughts are with all the families and loved ones at this very difficult time.’

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel says ‘serious questions’ have to be asked of the NHS after nurse Lucy Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies.

Speaking to GB News, Ms Patel said: “This is a deeply, deeply, horrible, appalling, abhorrent and traumatic case for those families that have lost their babies. It is a horrible case.

“The one thing I would add though, is that the government has in recent years changed our laws for individuals that are effectively deemed to have been involved in murdering children and harming children. And it’s important that we see those laws put into practice by the courts when it comes to sentencing. So we can’t prejudge anything right now.

“My sympathies are so much with those families. I mean, there are no words really, for what they have endured, the trauma and the heartbreak and I really think we need now to let this follow the full judicial process.

“I’m a member of parliament in mid-Essex. And you know, all MPs represent their constituents when it comes to the NHS, but sadly – and I say this with a very heavy heart – a lot of the complaints that come to us are literally complaints about either access or services, and their own personal experiences. 

“It’s heartbreaking, it is absolutely heartbreaking because they want to know the truth. What happened, why did things go wrong? I have no doubt my colleague, the Secretary of State for Health will be following this with a great deal of interest.

“There’ll be all sorts of questions regarding the NHS Trust itself, the governance, what procedures did they follow? And effectively, what lessons will be learned because lessons will have to be learned out of this?

“And personally, I think there has to be greater calls for transparency within large organisations and institutions such as the NHS.”

Gyle knife robbery: Witness appeal

POLICE are appealing following a robbery on a footpath in the Gyle area.

The incident happened between 5.50pm and 6pm on Monday (14 August), on the path between the Gyle shopping centre and Gogarloch Syke.

A man was walking on the path from the shopping centre towards Gogarloch Syke when he came across a man lying on the ground. On approaching, the man on the ground has produced a knife and demanded money, before making off into a wooded area towards Gogarloch Syke with a four-figure sum of cash.

The man is described as white, aged late 20s, of slim build and around 5ft 11ins to 6ft. He was wearing a burgundy/maroon hoodie with the hood up, light grey tracksuit bottoms and grey trainers.

Detective Constable Peter Lyons said: “Fortunately no one was injured but the man who was robbed was left extremely upset and shaken by what happened.

“The area was likely busy with dog walkers and pedestrians at the time and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened.

“We are also keen to speak to the man described and would like anyone who saw him before or after the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3269 of Monday, 14 August, 2023.

Witness appeal following Restalrig knife incidents

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery and a robbery in the Restalrig area on Saturday (12 August 2023).

Around 5.45 am, a 33-year-old woman was threatened by a man armed with a weapon as she was just about to get on a bus on Restalrig Road South. The man attempted to grab her bag but she managed to get on to the bus which drove off.

Around 6.30 am, a man threatened shop staff at a convenience store on Restalrig Road South with what was believed to be a bladed weapon. He demanded cash but only managed to grab other items as he was chased from the store.

The suspect for both incidents is described as white, 30-40 years of age, has a long and pointed nose which may have been broken previously, dark brown hair. He was wearing a black hooded long-sleeve jumper with a gold metallic North Face logo, grey jogging bottoms with the Adidas logo on left-hand side pocket and black trainers.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Although thankfully, no one was injured, this was very frightening and distressing for those involved.

“Officers are checking CCTV in the area and making local enquiries however, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area between 5.30 am and 6.45 am that morning and who saw the man.

“It may be that he has either approached or threatened others in the area, or may have been hanging about the street, which we can see from CCTV was quite busy at that time.

“So, if you have any information about the incidents or recognise the description of the man, then call police at Gayfield Police Station via 101. Please quote reference number 0930 of Saturday, 12 August 2023. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

UPDATE

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with two robberies on Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh which took place on Saturday, 12 August, 2023.

They are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 18 August, 2023

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our inquiries following our earlier appeal.”

Police launch Operation Summer City

Police have launched their summer campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2023.

From Tuesday, 1 August, an enhanced policing presence will be deployed throughout the Capital’s city centre as part of Operation Summer City to engage with the public and offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.

In addition, the dedicated patrols will deter and detect criminal activity and provide public reassurance.

Local officers from across Edinburgh will be supported throughout Operation Summer City by colleagues from neighbouring divisions, as well as a range of national and specialist departments within Police Scotland.

Each day there we be a mobile police station in the High Street, where the public can report any crime or suspicious activity they experience, or receive in-person safety information from the officers working within.

Throughout the duration of the campaign, the Edinburgh Division social media channels will be used to provide crime prevention advice and other guidance aimed at safeguarding the public from harm.

Local residents and visitors to the city alike are asked to follow Police Scotland Edinburgh on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton from Edinburgh Division said: “The Edinburgh Festivals form the largest festival in the world and turns an international spotlight on the Capital. As such, we must ensure that the policing response is adequate and proportionate during this time.

“From 1 August we will have increased foot patrols within the city centre and officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence to all of those who live, work and visit the area over the course of the Festival and Fringe.

“We benefit greatly from our ability to call upon additional resources from across Police Scotland and I am grateful to the officers coming from other local policing divisions and specialisms who will enhance our response capability for Operation Summer City. We also work closely with event organisers to ensure the event spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.

“Throughout the duration of the Military Tattoo, there will be an Air Restriction Zone in place around the Castle esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnstone Terrace.

“The restriction operates from 4pm until midnight between Thursday, 3 August and Saturday, 26 August. This is to ensure the safety of all of the Tattoo performers and attendees and means that unauthorised drone flying within this area is strictly prohibited.

“Despite the population of Edinburgh doubling during the coming weeks, I am confident the Capital will remain a safe place for both tourists and local residents, but nonetheless, I would ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious during their time within the area reports their concerns to police immediately.

“In addition, I’d encourage the public to follow our social media channels so they can stay up to date with all relevant crime prevention and safety information we will be publishing.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Operation Summer City Silver Commander, has shared the following message:

https://ow.ly/c34U50PpVsk

#OpSummerCity

Police: Shed and garden security tips

What can I do to stop thieves entering and stealing from my garden?

If you have a garden, it’s the first thing an intruder will have to deal with if they want to break into your house. There are also items in your garden which a thief may wish to steal.

Take some simple steps to secure your garden, shed and garage.

Keep hedges, walls and fences low at the front of your house. Keep this to a maximum of 1.2 metres high. This will make it harder for thieves to go unseen by neighbours or people passing by.

Install locked gates so it’s hard to get into the back or sides.  Rear fences and walls should be a minimum 1.8 to 2 metres in height. Trellis topping or an intruder deterrent strip can make climbing difficult.

Grow aggressive shrubbery to make it hard for intruders to climb through. Ideal plants include berberis, blue spruce, common holly, giant rhubarb, golden bamboo, firethorn, shrub rose, pencil Christmas tree, juniper and rubus (bramble).

Security lighting around your property can act as a deterrent. Ask whether neighbours would see someone with the light. Careful use of lighting will inform you or neighbours if someone is there.

Avoid floodlighting that can cause problems to neighbouring properties.

Make sure waste / recycling bins aren’t in a place which will make them easy to use to step or climb over fences/walls or access windows.

Lock away any garden implements, furniture or tools in a shed, garage or outside store. Items such as ladders can be useful for breaking into your home.

What can I do to protect property in my shed and garage?

  • Photograph valuable items of garden furniture or tools and keep a record of the make, model, colour and serial numbers.
  • Use a UV pen or DNA Marking Kit to security mark your tools or furniture with your house number and postcode
  • Use a chain to lock garden tools and furniture together, ensure the anchor point is securely fixed to the ground or solid structure
  • Fit a good quality hasp and padlock to the door, make sure it is fitted with dome headed or non-returnable screws to prevent tampering
  • Sold Secure or Secured By Design products should be considered
  • Secure windows and don’t let intruders see inside
  • Depending on the type of window, you could consider fitting internal window grills, heavy wire mesh or reinforced glass
  • If a window opens, a window lock should be fitted
  • If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings. Ensure that there is a visible external sounder box
  • If you do not have a secure shed, don’t leave items lying out bring items inside
  • If your garage joins with your home and there is a through door, it should be to the same security standard as your front or back door, and when not being used you should keep it locked.

Spot the signs of a knock-off

Fake goods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and it’s becoming harder to tell the difference between genuine and fake items.

Some signs to spot include: low prices, poor stitching, low quality fabric, incorrect logos and spelling mistakes.

Got information about fashion dupes?

Speak up, 100% anonymously, to our charity with any information about fake goods or the criminals behind it: https://bit.ly/FakeGoodsCS

Don’t Be Fooled This Summer, warns Metro Bank

A Money Mule Conviction Could Lead to 14 Years in Prison

Metro Bank’s July Scam of the Month is Money Mules. The Bank is highlighting the heavy penalties that consumers will face if they are tempted by the idea of easy money.

“A recent Cifas report[1] highlighted that young people living in London and West Midlands are most at risk of being tempted by this type of crime,” warns Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson.

“A money mule is someone who transfers money through their bank account on behalf of somebody else and is paid for doing so. “Compound this with the current cost of living crisis and we are anticipating a money mule explosion this summer – largely across social media where money mules are recruited.”

The biggest proponents of money mules are those aged under 25 – possibly because they are recruited via social media – one of the key platforms for this type of crime. It is also concerning that there has been an increase in young people aged 14-18 being approached to use their bank accounts for money muling.

They are offered money in exchange for sharing their legitimate bank account details so scammers can use their account to move money earned from illegal activity. Alternatively, money launderers use their account to begin the process of “cleaning money” to hide that it has come from illegal activity.

The Cifas report also revealed that four out of five people do not realise that, by being rewarded for sharing their personal financial information, they are committing a crime.

At worst, money muling carries fines and up to a 14-year prison sentence; but, even at its best, people who get involved can seriously damage their credit scores. This means they could struggle to get a phone contract, loan, mortgage and even negatively impact any future employment. 

They will also be added to the National Fraud Database, which means they can be denied access to a bank account in the future.

Some people are duped into this illegal activity, so knowing the warning signs can help you identify mule herders and avoid falling for their tricks. 

Look out for 

  • Contact from someone you do not know trying to befriend you – especially online or in a messaging app.
  • Someone you have met online offering deals that sound too good to be true. 
  • Job offers for quick and easy money with no experience necessary. 
  • Anyone who asks to transfer money to your bank account for you to pass on to someone else.
  • Someone who wants to buy a valuable item from you and insists on paying by bank transfer. 

How to help protect yourself

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

  • Never accept money into your account if you do not know where it is from.
  • Never share your bank details, contact details, or personal details with someone you do not know.
  • If you are job hunting research all job offers and investigate the company behind the offer and stick to well-known sites for job searches – do not apply for jobs that are only advertised on social media.
  • Take a look at the Take Five campaign which focuses on Stop, Challenge and Protect `
  • If you are a parent or guardian, then please raise awareness about money muling with your children to help protect them.

If you have been contacted:

  • If you think you have been contacted by a mule herder, ensure that you stop transferring money. Contact your bank who can help you. You can also contact the police or the charity Crimestoppers online or by calling them on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
  • There is a wealth of information which UK Finance and Cifas have collated and is available at www.moneymules.co.uk

Baz Thompson concludes: “Don’t be fooled this summer and risk your financial future by making some easy money that in the long run could cost you dearly, negatively impact your future, lead to problems applying for any credit and may even curtail your freedom.”

[1] Cifas Money Mule Landscape

Lengthy jail term for Edinburgh rapist

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for nine and a half years, with a further three years extended sentence, for a series of rapes and sexual assaults against five women in Tayside and Edinburgh between 2015 and 2020.

Logan Doig was sentenced yesterday (Monday, 10 July, 2023) at the High Court in Glasgow, having been found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “We acknowledge the sentencing of Doig, who will now face the consequences of his deplorable behaviour.

“I hope today’s verdict will allow the victims some form of closure and enable them to move forward in their lives.

“This should also send a clear message to others that any type of sexual or violent abuse will not be tolerated. We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously, with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity, and we will thoroughly investigate in order to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice.

“Anyone with any concerns or information can report them to police by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be obtained, on 0800 555 111.”