A serial fraudster who used dating apps to weave a complex web of lies, including faking terminal cancer, to manipulate and financially ruin vulnerable women has been convicted in a Scottish court.
A 'Staggering' Campaign of Deceit
Ryan McVeigh, 31, pleaded guilty at Glasgow's High Court to 38 charges relating to 17 different women across 2023 and 2024. Judge Lady Drummond described the scale of his deception, coercion, and abuse as "staggering." The court heard how McVeigh exploited platforms like Tinder and Bumble, using fake identities to befriend women, often those in vulnerable situations, before subjecting them to sexual, financial, and emotional abuse.
Prosecutor Michael Macintosh detailed that McVeigh's offending centred on two primary victims, whom he induced into believing they were in genuine online relationships. He then manipulated his way into their homes under another false persona, coercing them into providing money and engaging in sexual activity under false pretences.
The Elaborate Con: Fake Names, Fake Deaths, and Fake Cancer
The first victim met McVeigh on Tinder in 2023, where he used the alias Gary Stephenson. After learning of her financial troubles, he offered to help but instead used her bank details for online gambling. He repeatedly cancelled in-person meetings with elaborate excuses, once claiming his sister had died by suicide.
He then introduced a fictional friend, Paul Justin, who needed a place to stay. This was, in fact, McVeigh himself adopting another character. He pressured the woman into having sex with 'Justin', suggesting it would please 'Stephenson'. When she tried to end the arrangement, she was told 'Justin' would stay until Stephenson said otherwise.
After the victim contacted police, officers found McVeigh at her home, still claiming to be Paul Justin from South Africa. She lost between £10,000 and £18,000 during the ordeal.
Shockingly, McVeigh continued his crimes while on bail. In January 2024, he targeted a second woman on Bumble using the name Reece Fletcher. After scamming her for an initial £100, he failed to meet her, claiming he was hospitalised after a car crash. He maintained this pretence for weeks while demanding more money.
He again introduced the wealthy 'cousin', Paul Justin, who moved into her spare room. McVeigh, as Justin, then spun a despicable new lie: he claimed to have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He involved the victim in this charade, visiting a hospital, speaking to a Macmillan nurse, attending a hospice, and even visiting a funeral director and cemetery.
This cruel lie made it harder for the victim to challenge him. She emptied her accounts and went into debt, handing over approximately £20,000, with total losses reaching around £38,000 when including loans from family. Her ex-husband eventually alerted authorities in July 2024.
Devastating Impact and Justice Served
The subsequent police investigation revealed 15 other women had been targeted by McVeigh's scams. Among the charges he admitted were rape of the two main victims and multiple counts of fraud.
In impact statements, the victims described being left in constant fear and financial ruin. Judge Lady Drummond deferred sentencing for reports but left McVeigh in no doubt about the gravity of his actions.
This case highlights the severe dangers of online dating fraud and the sophisticated tactics used by predators. Authorities urge anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar tech-facilitated abuse to seek help immediately.
