Four fraudsters who ran a 'courier fraud' operation targeting elderly and vulnerable people across the UK have been sentenced after an investigation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU). The group tricked victims into handing over bank cards, PINs and phones, using them to withdraw cash and buy designer goods. The investigation, launched last August, identified ten victims and uncovered around £250,000 in fraud.
Investigation begins after Newcastle victim targeted
The probe began after an elderly man in Kenton, Newcastle, was tricked into giving his bank cards and mobile phone to a 'courier' he believed was from his bank. He reported the incident to his neighbour, who recognised it as a scam and contacted police. NEROCU officers identified it as courier fraud and began tracing those responsible.
Call records and CCTV led to a suspect, and a car was stopped by Greater Manchester Police. Evidence seized included stolen cards, mobile phones, designer goods and the suspects' own devices. Digital forensic examination revealed contact between co-defendants, visual evidence and location data.
Victims identified across the North East and beyond
Further work by an analyst and shared intelligence with other forces revealed more victims. Ten victims were identified in total, including people in Newcastle, Northumberland, Cleveland, Darlington, Leeds, Colchester, Keswick, Shipley, Derbyshire and Stoke-on-Trent. One victim died shortly after being targeted.
Det Cons Sophie Snowdon of NEROCU's Proactive Economic Crime Team said the operation was organised with a clear structure: a 'voice' contacted victims, 'couriers' collected cards and phones, and 'buyers' used the stolen cards to purchase high-value goods. She described the crimes as "sickening" and said victims were widowed or disabled, with some losing all confidence.
Sentences handed down at Newcastle Crown Court
Saif Hussain, 31, of Gilpin View, Leeds, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to four years and three months. Brendan Mbara, 27, of Middleton Little Road, Allerton Bywater, Castleford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and money laundering and was sentenced to three years and 10 months.
Nadia Simelane, 34, of Trafalgar Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and money laundering and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work. Faith Moyo, 21, of Gamblehill Drive, Bramley, pleaded guilty to the same charges and received the same suspended sentence and unpaid work requirement.
Det Cons Snowdon urged people to speak to elderly and vulnerable loved ones about courier fraud. She advised hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting banks or police through trusted numbers, noting that banks and police never ask for PINs or request money or items for investigations. Suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud.
