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This complex case involves members of an organised crime group who recruited, trafficked, and exploited vulnerable teenage girls to commit acts of fraud on their behalf. The key members convicted were Eva Dambrauskaite, Isaiah Olugosi, Holly Olugosi (nee Chapman), and Baran Karamagara. The crimes they committed included:
This conviction is particularly notable because it is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. The Modern Slavery Act is designed to combat slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking, emphasising the protection of victims and increasing the penalties for these crimes. Lessons For Defence Solicitors In terms of defence, the strategies employed by defence lawyers would depend on the case's specific details. However, given the crimes' extent and seriousness, the evidence's strength, and the number of victims, it would likely be very challenging to secure an acquittal or a significantly lesser sentence. The fact that some defendants pleaded guilty also suggests that they may have accepted a plea deal in exchange for a potentially more lenient sentence or acknowledged the strength of the evidence against them. This case underscores the grave nature of modern slavery and human trafficking crimes and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and bring those responsible to justice. The court proceedings in this case illustrate the power of organised criminal groups to manipulate vulnerable individuals and utilise them in criminal enterprises. The recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable teenage girls demonstrate how these criminals used coercion, control and manipulation to their advantage. What is notable in this case is the application of the Modern Slavery Act. Modern slavery is a heinous crime that goes beyond what traditionally constitutes slavery. It includes forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking and child labour. The fact that it's applied in this case shows how the law is evolving to ensure that such exploitation is appropriately criminalised. In terms of the seriousness of fraud, as I previously mentioned, it is indeed a serious crime. The magnitude of this case – involving an organised crime group, exploitation of minors, and significant financial gains – underscores the gravity of such offences. In this case, these potential legal defences can be challenging due to the serious nature of the offences and the substantial evidence apparently available to the prosecution. The legal team defending the accused would likely have analysed the evidence thoroughly and advised their clients accordingly. They could have explored potential arguments such as questioning the legality of the evidence obtained, the credibility of the witnesses, or whether the defendant's rights were upheld during the investigation and trial process. However, it's important to note that the success of these defences is highly dependent on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. While all this is speculative and dependent on the specific legal jurisdictions and circumstances, it demonstrates the importance of a robust legal system to prosecute and defend individuals in such serious criminal cases. Despite the severity of the crime, every accused individual must have the right to a fair trial and appropriate legal representation. This case also highlights the importance of early identification and support for potential victims of such exploitation. Early intervention, proactive law enforcement, and comprehensive support services can prevent further victimisation and ensure justice for those affected. In this case, the collaboration between law enforcement, children's services and fraud investigators from retailers was instrumental in uncovering the crime, highlighting the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling complex crimes like this. The Case Members of an organised crime group who recruited, trafficked and exploited vulnerable teenage girls to commit acts of fraud on their behalf have been convicted of modern slavery and fraud offences. The criminal gang from Cambridge, London and Essex recruited, trained and trafficked teenage girls across the country to commit refund fraud in high street stores using fake receipts. The girls would be instructed to place fake barcodes on items to pay a much cheaper price, before later asking for a refund at the full price. Is fraud a serious crime ? Officers from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit uncovered the extensive criminal enterprise after receiving intelligence from children’s services partners in 2020 who highlighted safeguarding concerns. Over 30 victims of exploitation were identified and £500k in profits were seized as part of the investigation. This conviction is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. Following a three-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, on Thursday, 10 February, a woman was convicted as follows: Eva Dambrauskaite, 21 (28.01.01), of Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation; two counts of conspiracy to defraud; concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering), possession of articles for use in fraud, and possession of cannabis. The following two members pleaded guilty at a previous hearing on 20 May 2021 at the same court: Isaiah Olugosi, 38 (26.03.83), of Lower Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation; two counts of conspiracy to defraud; concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering) and possession of articles for use in fraud. Holly Olugosi (Nee Chapman), 31 (12.12.90) of Lower Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering). A third member of the group pleaded guilty to their role at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 17 December 2021. Baran Karamagara, 22 (18.04.99), of Lordship Lane, Tottenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. All four are due to appear at the same court for sentencing at a date yet to be confirmed. The court heard that between January 2018 and March 2020, Isiah Olugosi orchestrated a large-scale fraud enterprise targeting branches of two established retailers across the UK. Isaiah Olugosi lived with his wife Holly in Cambridgeshire and from at least January 2018, began making money for himself and his family by targeting two retailers using fraudulent receipts and printed barcodes produced at his home. Bank data shows proceeds of crime entering the accounts as far back as 2013. Exploiting Vulnerable Children The operation was too large for one person to control alone and Olugosi quickly began to build up a network of trusted associates including ‘team leaders’ and ‘drivers’ who were willing to partake in this criminal enterprise across the country. Olugosi’s appointed ‘team leaders’ were Eva Dambrauskaite and Baran Karamagara who were tasked with recruiting and managing vulnerable young girls, typically aged 14-17 years old, in order for them to carry out theft and fraud on behalf of the organised crime group. Girls were recruited via social media platforms, and approached on the street, mainly from Greater London and Essex. Officers identified over 30 victims of exploitation. Many of the victims were recruited whilst housed in foster placements or semi-independent supported facilities, and some had frequently been reported missing by their families. The ‘team leaders’ would trick or coerce the girls into joining their criminal enterprise, before Olugosi and his ‘drivers’ would transport them across the UK via pre-planned routes to target branches of each retailer. The girls would often be missing for several days, committing fraud during the day and being housed in hotels each night. In the early part of the conspiracy Isaiah Olugosi would personally drive the victims around, telling them what items to obtain, which fraud technique to use, and which branches to target. As time went on, and with Dambrauskaite and Karamagara acting as his trusted ‘drivers’, Olugosi was able to do less of the leg work. A typical day would include theft and fraud from over ten stores, making thousands of pounds per ‘route’ for the gang. The funds gained were then laundered through at least one hundred UK bank accounts, and Isaiah Olugosi, Karamagara and Dambrausakite took control of these accounts, in many instances from children or adults with mental health problems and other vulnerabilities. To evade authorities, mobile phones and vehicles were registered at addresses of adults known to have mental health problems or severe learning difficulties. Fraud Conspiracy By March 2020, the group had yielded approximately £500,000 in profits as a result of their large-scale fraud conspiracy. Over the course of her husband’s highly profitable criminal enterprise, Holly Olugosi spent large sums of money on luxury items including cosmetic surgery, tanning sessions, a new Mercedes, luxury holidays, and even a fridge costing £2500. Officers from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit were first alerted to the actions of this organised crime group after receiving intelligence from partners within Children’s Services and when offences were highlighted by the retailers who had been targeted. Fraud investigators from both organisations had noticed a pattern of young girls securing refunds with fraudulent receipts and noted safeguarding concerns around these children. Beginning in March 2020, Predatory Offender Unit officers executed a number of search warrants in London, Essex and Cambridge where they seized evidence including printers, computer equipment, fake receipts, bar codes, cash and devices used to communicate with the girls. Upon searching the Olugosi home in Cambridgeshire, it became apparent that Holly Olugosi had attempted to conceal several pieces of evidence prior to returning to their home where officers were present and searching. Karamagara and Dambrauskaite were arrested at addresses in Essex and Tottenham on 16 March 2020. Isaiah Olugosi was arrested at an address in Ilford on 17 March 2020. Holly Olugosi was interviewed under caution at a police station in Cambridgeshire on 17 June 2020. Following advice and agreement from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), a second phase of arrests were organised to question and charge Isaiah Olugosi, Dambrauskaite and Karamagara with offences under the Modern Slavery Act. Modern Slavery Act This is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. On 26 August 2020, Dambrauskaite and Karamagara were re-arrested, questioned, charged and remanded. Isaiah Olugosi was not present when officers attended his home address in Ely and he promptly took steps to evade police. Predatory Offender Unit officers tracked him over six days, ultimately arresting him in Bradford, West Yorkshire on 1 September 2020 where he had already created a new life for himself, living in a rented room under an assumed name to evade arrest. He was interviewed, charged and remanded into custody. Sergeant PJ Jones, officer in the case from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit, said: “This is a serious case involving the criminal exploitation of a large number of juvenile girls spanning many years. “Olugosi and others were too cowardly to execute their own crimes, and actively recruited girls with obvious vulnerabilities. They embedded themselves through peer groups of vulnerable people using them to commit fraud and using their accounts to launder money. “This was a protracted investigation which involved countless enquiries, witness statements and searches of premises to secure evidence from offences as widely spread as Glasgow and Devon. Throughout the proceedings, all of the suspects in this case did everything they could to conceal evidence, minimise their own involvement and delay justice. “I am thankful to the staff from both retailers for highlighting this case as a safeguarding concern from the outset, voicing concerns about the ages of the girls involved. “Without the bravery of all of the victims and witnesses in this case, the enterprise would never have been unearthed and I wish to thank them all for their trust. The Metropolitan Police Service has officers dedicated to confront those targeting vulnerable people and continue to work closely with partners to tackle Modern Slavery and exploitation.” Marie Olo, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “Isaiah Olugosi recruited, coached and transported teenage girls around the country to commit refund fraud in High Street stores. “The girls were selected because they were vulnerable with difficult backgrounds or mental health problems, and when they were caught, he was perfectly willing to step back and let them face arrest and potential prosecution. “When he learned the police had discovered his involvement he tried desperately but unsuccessfully to destroy evidence and hide money. “Exploiting others for criminal gain is a serious criminal offence and wherever possible the CPS will work with police to help victims escape the clutches of modern slavery, while prosecuting the people who have pulled the strings. More Fraud Cases Travel Fraud Lawyer Jailed For fraud Bank Employee Fraud article source
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£1m worth of counterfeit notes1/21/2022 Man convicted after being found with £1m worth of counterfeit notes A man has been found guilty of possessing more than £1 million worth of counterfeit notes. Emil Bogdan Savastru, 31 (31.10.90) of no fixed address, was convicted of one count of having custody or control of a counterfeit note following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He will be sentenced at the same court on 10 February 2022. On 30 January 2020, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command executed a search warrant at a residential address on Shetland Road, E3. During their search, a bag was found containing one million pounds worth of counterfeit £50 and 200 euro notes in large suitcases. Officers seized the property and shared the notes with the Bank of England, who examined them and confirmed they were counterfeit. Later the same day, Savastru was arrested at London Heathrow Airport while waiting to board a flight to Japan after documents he left at the scene linked him to the crime. When questioned, he refused to explain how the notes were in his possession, where he had got them from, or what he was planning to do with them. Detective Constable Andrew Payne, who led the investigation, said: “Our proactive operation means we have been able to take a significant quantity of counterfeit notes out of circulation. Without a doubt, these notes would have been used to commit further crimes across the UK.
“This successful prosecution relied heavily on the close working between the Met and the Bank of England, leaving little doubt that Savastru was guilty of these offences. “Counterfeit currency in the UK harms the economy and has a real, significant impact on businesses who take possession of it unknowingly. As this prosecution shows, we will take action against anyone engaged in this type of criminality.” + You can find more information on how to check your banknotes on the Bank of England’s website. source
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Lawyer jailed for fraud9/20/2021 Summary of the Case Below: This case centres on Joshua Brien, a 48-year-old lawyer, who was found guilty of defrauding two companies he worked for, totalling over £600,000. The trial occurred at Southwark Crown Court, and Brien was convicted of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of fraud by false representation.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. The court heard that Brien used his extensive knowledge of an internal payment system to defraud the Commonwealth Secretariat of around £150,000. He was employed by the company from 2004 to 2016 as the sole liaison for a contractor. Using a fake email address similar to the contractor's, Brien directed funds meant for the contractor into a rogue bank account he had set up in Australia. Brien then joined Cooley UK LLP in 2017, where he further committed fraud. He directed payments intended for the firm into his account, leading to over £400,000 of the client's money being stolen. He also defrauded a second client, channelling around £90,000 into his accounts. Part of the Law: The primary legal issues, in this case, pertain to criminal law, specifically laws related to fraud. Fraud by abuse of position (under Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006) occurs when someone occupies a position in which they are expected to safeguard the financial interests of another person and abuses that position for personal gain or to cause loss to another. Fraud by false representation (under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006) occurs when a person dishonestly makes a false representation, intending to gain for themselves or another or to cause loss or risk of loss to another. Possible Outcomes or Sentencing: If Brien had not been convicted, the case could have potentially resulted in acquittal, given the burden of proof required in criminal law. However, the successful conviction largely depends on the strength and availability of the evidence linking him to the fraudulent activities. It might have resulted in a reduced sentence if he had cooperated or pleaded guilty early on. The courts usually consider early admissions of guilt as a mitigating factor in sentencing. On the other hand, if there were aggravating factors such as previous convictions, mainly related to fraud or dishonesty, this could have led to a longer sentence. Given the severe breach of trust and the significant amount involved, the seven-and-a-half-year sentence is within the typical range for this kind of offence. However, it is essential to remember that the specifics of sentencing guidelines can vary based on several factors. Further Analysis and Insights: Joshua Brien's case is a classic example of "white collar" crime, crimes committed by individuals in higher social classes during their occupation. As a legal professional, Brien was in a position of trust and had access to sensitive financial information. His actions resulted in significant financial loss for his employers and their clients, undermining trust in him as an individual and potentially impacting the reputation of the companies he worked for. One critical aspect of this case is the violation of professional ethics. Lawyers are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Misappropriation of client funds is one of the most severe breaches of professional conduct that a lawyer can commit, leading to criminal charges and potential disbarment from the profession. Moreover, this case illustrates the potential dangers of internal fraud within businesses and the importance of robust internal controls and regular audits. Brien perpetrated this fraud over a significant period due to his intricate understanding of the companies' payment systems and processes. Alternative legal consequences could have included an order for Brien to compensate the victims of his fraud. Depending on his financial circumstances, a confiscation order might also have been made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, forcing him to repay the money he fraudulently obtained. In sum, this case reinforces the importance of maintaining stringent financial controls within companies, regardless of the trust placed on senior employees. Furthermore, it underscores the severe consequences that legal professionals can face when they abuse their positions, both from a criminal and a professional standpoint. A lawyer who defrauded two companies he worked for out of over £600,000 has been convicted of fraud offences following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. Joshua Brien – 48 (14.02.73) formerly of Darnley Terrace, W11 was found guilty of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of fraud by false representation on 26 August. He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 10 September to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison. The jury heard how Brien used his intrinsic knowledge of an internal system used to make payments to contractors to defraud the Commonwealth Secretariat out of around £150,000. Brien was employed by the company between 2004 and 2016, when he was dismissed for an unrelated offence. During his time, he was the sole liaison for a contractor who had been employed on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat to carry out work on their behalf. Brien fabricated correspondence using a fake email address he had set up that was very similar to the genuine one used by the contractor. In this ‘correspondence’ he channelled the funds intended to be paid to the contractor into a rogue bank account in Australia that Brien had set up specifically to carry out the fraud. It was only after Brien had left the company that the fraud was discovered. By that time, Brien had moved to another company called Cooley UK LLP, obtaining the job in 2017 having lied on his application form that he hadn’t been dismissed at any previous employer. While employed there, he acted as a lawyer for an ongoing arbitration case involving a marine salvage company. Brien used his personal bank – similar to the method he had used in his previous fraud – and told the client to forward payments to this account. It was only after police arrested Brien for the offence committed at his previous employer that Cooley UK LLP discovered that over £400,000 had been paid from this client to his personal bank account. Brien’s manager had also been alerted after he met with the client’s representative and raised the issue of apparent unpaid fees – money which had been paid in good faith by the client but unknowingly stolen by Brien. Brien also defrauded a second client while employed at Cooley; this time to the figure of around £90,000. Again, Brien alluded to be acting on behalf of the firm but instead channelled the money into his own accounts. Police were called in and Brien was arrested on 29 October 2019 before being charged with multiple fraud offences. Detective Constable Mark Bunning of the Met’s Economic and Specialist Crime Team said: “Joshua Brien used his knowledge of the internal reporting systems of the companies who employed him to carry out significant fraud. “He used the employ of his companies to operate in plain sight; carrying out protracted fraudulent activities for his own personal gain. “However, due the diligent and dedicated work of the police, Brien has been convicted and will now face to consequences of his actions.” More Fraud Cases Travel Fraud Modern Slavery & Fraud Bank Employee Fraud source
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A former bank employee who fraudulently stole more than £74,000 from members of her own family has been jailed.
Hien Ly, 40 (18.01.81) of The Drake, Deptford, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 12 July and was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation. She was sentenced to an additional 12 months imprisonment to run concurrently for a further count of fraud by false representation. From November 2012 to May 2019, whilst employed by a bank in Greenwich High Street as member of counter staff, Ly used her position to fraudulently steal large sums of money from three members of her family. In a premeditated plan, Ly would take large sums of money off the victims and state she was putting it into “investments’’ and to purchase properties. She told the victims that as she had a good position as an employee in the bank, she would get good rates and deals for them. Once the victims were trapped into a deal with Ly, she would then continue to request further funds from them, stating that costs had changed, more money was needed or the property or investments would be lost if more money was not forthcoming from the victims. The victims lost a combined total of £74,620.97 in the series of frauds. It was fraud by misrepresentation Ly was arrested at her workplace by officers on 20 May 2019 after being reported via Action Fraud. Police Constable Stewart Bold, from the Economic Crime Team, said:“Ly manipulated her position as a bank employee to gain the trust of her victims, before fraudulently stealing more than £74,000. Her victims saw her as successful and put their faith in her, investing large sums of money and believing it was not only safe but going to gain them profits in the future. “Ly did not invest any of this money and, despite supplying the victims with documents showing financial returns and property purchases, she used it to fund her own lavish lifestyle. She left the victims without savings and at a great financial loss through her greed and selfishness. The sentencing today reflects the severity of her actions and the shocking nature of this crime - all the more so given she targeted her own family. I hope today's result goes some way to bringing the victims justice and closure." More Fraud Cases Travel Fraud Lawyer Jailed For fraud Modern Slavery & Fraud source |