Three men who stole £120,000 from elderly and vulnerable victims across the region are paying the consequences after being handed jail sentences totalling more than ten years.

Amadeep Sokhal, 36, Kulwinder Singh, 25, and Mehakdeep Thind, 33, stole £120,000 from vulnerable victims throughout the North East and West Yorkshire in a complex courier fraud.

The scam involves criminals making telephone calls to victims, posing as police officers, bank staff and other figures of authority, and convince them that their bank accounts have been scammed.

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The criminals then and ask them to help investigate by supplying ‘vital evidence’ in the form of cash, valuables and bank details. This information is then used to steal high sums of money from victims, which includes asking them to send valuables and cash through the post.

The London-based trio’s crimes in September 2020 led to detectives arresting and charging them a short time later.

Thind pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering but his associates Sokhal and Singh, underwent a five-week trial after denying the charges put before them.

Sokhal and Singh were convicted at Newcastle Crown Court in December last year.

Appearing before the same court last week (March 3) they were all handed lengthy sentences.

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Thind, of no fixed abode in the London area, was sentenced to five years and seven months behind bars for conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID.

Sokhal, of Allenby Road, Southall, London, was jailed for four years and six months for his conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID.

Meanwhile Singh, of Old Cote Drive, Hounslow, Middlesex, was handed an 18 months sentence, suspended for 18 months, for money laundering. He was also ordered to complete 240 hours community service.

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Detective Constable Andy Smith, officer in the case with the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), said: “This is a callous crime type in which ruthless criminals target the most vulnerable members of our communities. I wish to commend the bravery of the victims, who supported this case and ensured that justice prevailed.

“As always we urge anyone who is concerned that they have been a victim of crime to get in touch and always speak to someone you trust before giving anyone money or your personal information.

“Police officers or your bank will never ask you to hand over money, transfer funds, or send cash and valuables via post. If you receive a call like this, do not interact - hang up and report it immediately.”