Call Centre Scam Gang Jailed for Stealing £74,000 from Dying Pensioner
Heartless Fraudsters Target Dying Nuclear Physicist
Three men have been locked up for running a call centre fraud scam that ripped off £74,000 from Leopold Reeves, an 84-year-old retired nuclear physicist battling a rare tongue cancer. The cruel gang tricked the vulnerable pensioner into transferring his life savings by falsely claiming his devices were linked to criminal activity.
Gang Pretended to Be National Crime Agency
The scammers cold-called elderly victims, pretending to be from the National Crime Agency. They pressured victims into moving large sums into so-called “secure” accounts. One gang member, Majewski, was nabbed in Germany earlier this year after an international warrant. He was extradited to the UK and pleaded guilty to three fraud offences at Inner London Crown Court on June 30. Majewski was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars. Majewski’s role involved supplying fake bank accounts to his accomplices, which were used to launder and “cash out” the stolen money.
Co-Conspirators Also Face Justice
Two other gang members were also sentenced:
- Dinesh Alavala, from Silvertown, got three years
- Avinash Kakumanu, also from Silvertown, received two-and-a-half years
A fourth man, Nellikondi of Rotherham, was handed a two-year suspended sentence.
Police Recover Most of the Cash
Thanks to the City of London Police, around £120,000 was recovered, with the majority of Mr Reeves’ money returned early in the investigation.
Det Inspector: “We Have Not Forgotten the Victims”
Detective Inspector Michael O’Sullivan said:
“The victim has sadly passed away, but we never gave up chasing justice. Majewski will answer for his crimes. Although this callous scam happened years ago, we have not and will not forget the victims of fraud.”
Suspect Fraud or Scams?
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Or call 0300 123 2040
