Indian-origin couple sentenced in UK for Covid PPE fraud; millions spent on luxuries
An Indian-origin couple and their business associate were sentenced in the UK for a multi-million dollar fraud involving fake PPE supply deals during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group used the illicit funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and property renovations, while failing to deliver promised medical supplies to US hospitals.
Why it matters
This case underscores the prevalence of pandemic-era financial crimes and the international legal cooperation required to prosecute cross-border fraud.
An Indian-origin businessman has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the UK for defrauding companies through fake personal protective equipment (PPE) supply deals during the Covid-19 pandemic and using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, expensive watches and home renovations.Jogesh Bhandari, 59, from Loughborough, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on October 16 after failing to attend two earlier sentencing hearings, citing health issues. A judge subsequently ordered his arrest, according to Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA).Meanwhile, his wife, Meenakshi (Meena) Bhandari, and business associate Craig Morris, 43, were sentenced on October 7.
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