Covid fraudsters spent thousands on cars and watches
Three individuals have been convicted in the UK for a PPE fraud scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group used forged documents to secure deals and spent the proceeds on luxury items like Porsches and Rolexes.
Why it matters
This case highlights the scale of financial exploitation that occurred during the global health crisis and the subsequent efforts by law enforcement to recover criminal proceeds.
Image source, NCA Image caption, Jogesh Bhandari spent thousands of pounds on luxury cars
Fraudsters who carried out a personal protective equipment (PPE) scam during the Covid-19 pandemic spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury cars, watches and home renovations.
Jogesh Bhandari, 59, and Craig Morris, 43, were convicted on Wednesday at Leicester Crown Court following a trial of two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation as well as concealing and transferring criminal property.
Meenakashi Bhandari, 48, was found guilty of concealing and transferring criminal property. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the group claimed they could supply millions of boxes of nitrile gloves.
They are due to be sentenced on 21 August.
The NCA said bank records showed that Jogesh Bhandari and his wife, Meenakashi Bhandari, both of Mitchell Drive in Loughborough, Leicestershire, used the money to buy Rolexes, jewellery, holiday packages and cars.
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