A fraudster who scammed more than 30 victims, including friends and family, out of millions of pounds has been sentenced to prison. The money was used to fuel a severe gambling addiction, according to authorities.
Kenny Sanders, 38, of Ash, near Canterbury, used his IT company as a front to deceive investors between 2012 and 2018. He promised victims lucrative returns of three to 20 percent on their investments every 40 to 60 days, but those returns were never paid.
Investigators with the Gambling Commission found that Sanders was spending millions on various sporting events, including horse and greyhound racing, and football matches. In some instances, he would gamble for nearly a full day, from 7am to 1am the following morning.
Victims, some of whom remortgaged their homes or started new businesses to raise the funds, invested sums ranging from £50,000 to £350,000. One victim, a disabled woman, lost 75 percent of her life savings after being introduced to Sanders through a mutual friend.
In a twist, Sanders himself called Kent Police on August 7, 2018, to report his crimes. He also sent a text message to all his victims, admitting to his actions.
Sanders was charged with 11 counts of fraud by false representation and pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. He has now been sentenced to prison.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Huttley said:
‘Sanders gained the trust of family and friends, making them think he was nothing other than a respectable businessman but in fact he was conning them in order to fund his own gambling habit. Victims have lost homes and businesses due to his lies and it is right that he now faces the consequences of his actions. This case shows that Kent Police take offences of fraud seriously and that offenders are pursued to gain justice for the victims of this type of crime.’