In a significant blow to criminal operations targeting charitable organizations, a fraud gang has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a scam that siphoned off hundreds of thousands of pounds from life-saving charities. The group was led by David Levi, aged 47, from Lytham St Annes.
The Scam Operation:
- False Pretenses: The group deceitfully collected money from the public, claiming the donations would benefit well-known charities, including Children in Need and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
- Misuse of Funds: Contrary to their claims, a large portion of the funds was diverted for personal use by Levi and his associates.
- Deception of Charities: Initially, some charities supported Levi’s collections, misled by the false pretence of legitimacy. However, doubts soon arose, leading to efforts to disassociate from the fraudulent activities.
The Criminal Network:
- Nationwide Operation: The fraudsters operated across the country, often setting up donation buckets outside supermarkets, falsely claiming corporate endorsements.
- Aggressive Tactics: When questioned, the group resorted to threats, including reporting employees or leveraging media exposure.
- Financial Damage: Approximately £500,000 was collected, with less than 10% reaching the intended charities.
Key Players and Sentencing:
- David Levi: Jailed for five years, Levi was the mastermind behind the operation, with Kaysha Beck assisting in his office.
- Co-conspirators: Howard Collins, William Ormand, Martin Ebanks, Robert Roy Ferguson, and Stephen Chesterman were involved in various roles, from organizing collections to handling logistics.
Prosecution and Aftermath:
- Prosecutor’s Statement: Hayley Cooper from the CPS emphasized the betrayal of public trust and the detriment to life-saving charities caused by the group’s actions.
- Asset Confiscation: The CPS intends to confiscate assets gained from criminal activities and implement measures to prevent future offences.
Public Advisory on Safe Donations:
- Safer Giving Campaign: Launched by the Fundraising Regulator, Charity Commission for England and Wales, and Action Fraud, this campaign aims to educate the public on secure donation practices.
- Key Tips:
- Verify charity registration details.
- Ensure face-to-face fundraisers are appropriately licensed.
- Look for the Fundraising Badge and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory.
- Never feel pressured to donate on the spot; instead, donate directly to the charity at a suitable time.
The conviction of this fraud gang marks a significant victory in protecting charitable contributions and maintaining the integrity of the philanthropic sector.
