A recent investigation by North Yorkshire Police has culminated in the arrest of a man linked to a courier fraud scam that led to significant financial losses for victims. Over the summer of 2021, the police were alerted to a scam targeting individuals with fraudulent claims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Victims were instructed to withdraw their savings and purchase gold bullion for ‘safekeeping’, purportedly under police protection.
This deceptive scheme resulted in two elderly individuals being defrauded of more than £450,000, with their life savings used to buy gold bullion. North Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit collaborated with gold dealers to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.
The breakthrough came on Tuesday, 9 November, when a man attempted to sell one of the gold bars at a London pawnbroker. North Yorkshire Police, in partnership with the City of London Police, apprehended a 26-year-old man on charges related to fraud and money laundering.
The arrest is part of North Yorkshire Police’s ongoing efforts to combat economic crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from such scams. The police have praised the vigilance of pawnbrokers and gold dealers whose cooperation has been instrumental in this case.
The man arrested has been placed in custody and has appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court. North Yorkshire Police continue to emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing financial crimes and remain committed to pursuing and prosecuting individuals involved in such fraudulent activities.
