Leicester lie detector used in fraud case
A Leicester lie detector test could have been used to help police in a fraud case. A Leicester business recently fell victim to a scam and as a result lost nearly £60,000.00
The case
A Leicester-based business fell victim to payment diversion fraud. They were reached out to by someone pretending to be one of their suppliers. The scam email asked the business to start paying to a new bank account. After requesting an update to the company’s database.
The incident, of June 2021, saw almost £60,000 transferred into the fraudulent account in total. The details were put on the database, resulting in four separate payments to the fraudsters.
Officers from the force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) investigated the incident. They executed warrants on March 25 in Leicester, Highfields and Braunstone. As a result, three people were arrested over the scam, with a fourth person yet to be voluntarily interviewed.
The ECU advice
Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, is on the enforcement team. She said: “What is obvious from these investigations is that opportunist thieves will use any means to exploit individuals and companies for their own gain.
“We encourage people to remain vigilant around these offences. Companies should double-check any requests to change bank account details with the company directly and not act on emails or post alone.”
The suspects
A 26-year-old woman, a 45-year-old man and a 24-year-old man are in custody on suspicion of Proceeds of Crime Act offences over the incident. They are all back on release subject to further enquiries but a 31-year-old woman is to give an interview at a later date. A number of cryptocurrency assets were also seized during the operation.
A bigger investigation has also been in play, as just last week officers from ECU executed warrants at 15 addresses across Leicester and one address in Derbyshire. The aim was to identify those believed to be laundering money on behalf of organised criminals involved in high-value frauds.
Police statement
Ms McIntyre continued: “Any post coming to individual’s addresses, particularly in relation to bank accounts or utility bills addressed to someone not living at the location, should be dealt with cautiously. You need to report this activity back to that bank or utility company. They will be able to put a marker on so the activity cannot continue.
“This will help us to disrupt and prevent further offending. If the activity is of a more concerning nature, you can report to Action Fraud. Firstly, you can call 101 to report. Secondly, you can report it online on the Leicestershire Police website. We will continue to carry out operations of this nature. Our aim is to disrupt the activities of these organised criminals.”
How a lie detector test could have helped
In conclusion, police are now using regular lie detector tests as part of the release terms for sex offenders. The scheme has helped relieve communities of the anxiety and concern following a release of an offender into their community. Police are now looking to implement more polygraph testing at their arrest and interrogation stages. Adding a lie detector test into these stages ensures that police have an extra indicator when making a decision on whether a suspect is guilty or not. The added scientific test means police have more evidence and facts to take into their final opinion and charges.
If you suspect someone you know is committing a fraudulent act then book a test online today. You can also call us on our free helpline on 07572 748364.
We provide confidential office appointments and home tests throughout the East Midlands.
