Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate organised a number of warrants at addresses across the South East aimed at taking action against those who have allegedly attempted to benefit through dishonesty.
This activity was supported by Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre initiative that provides funding for forces to undertake additional operational activity against fraudsters.
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Enforcement carried out so far in February includes:
• A 60-year-old man arrested in the Maidstone area in connection with the alleged misuse of company funds.
• A 33-year-old man arrested in London on suspicion of the fraudulent use of credit cards. On one occasion he is alleged to have committed a chargeback fraud after purchasing 28 tickets to a tourist attraction in the Canterbury area before claiming to his card provider he had been incorrectly billed.
• A 74-year-old man arrested in East Sussex for allegedly forging a signature on legal paperwork in relation to the sale of a house in the Sevenoaks area.
• A 65-year-old man arrested in London and a 59-year-old man arrested in Hertfordshire in connection with the alleged misuse of company funds, linked to a business based in Chatham.
All five suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
A warrant was also carried out at the Maidstone home of a 40-year-old convicted fraudster who is alleged to have breached the terms of his Serious Crime Prevention Order following his release from prison. He was interviewed under caution and remains under investigation.
Detective Sergeant Marc Makin of Kent Police’s Serious Economic Crime Unit said:
‘Fraud offences vary greatly from one case to the next and criminals are always looking for new ways in which to trick people and businesses out of their money or possessions.
‘Tackling fraud and protecting those most vulnerable to it is a year-round priority for the force and we are pleased to be supporting this national enforcement campaign in partnership with the National Economic Crime Centre. Further warrants are planned throughout the rest of the month to ensure other suspected criminals are arrested and interviewed about the serious offences they are alleged to have committed.’