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PPE Fraudster Jailed Amidst Pandemic Scams
8 Oct
Summary
- Two men defrauded medical companies of millions through fake PPE deals.
- They bought luxury cars and homes with the illicit gains.
- One perpetrator received over three years in prison.
A significant fraud operation involving millions of pounds in bogus personal protective equipment (PPE) deals has resulted in a jail sentence for one of the perpetrators. Craig Morris, 43, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Leicester Crown Court. He and his accomplice, Jogesh Bhandari, 60, were convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, as well as concealing and transferring criminal property.
The duo purported to supply millions of boxes of nitrile gloves in the US and Germany, using the substantial profits to acquire luxury cars, fund holidays, and purchase a new home. Jogesh Bhandari's sentencing has been deferred, with the judge expressing skepticism regarding his absence due to alleged severe painkiller use following a pacemaker fitting.
Jogesh Bhandari's wife, former pharmacist Meenakashi Bhandari, 58, received a suspended two-year prison sentence, 250 hours of unpaid work, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity for her role in concealing and transferring criminal property. A bench warrant has been issued for Jogesh Bhandari, who is expected to be sentenced on 16 October.
