Latest from Horse & Hound in Fraud

Prison for £1.7m fraudster with horse-buying habit ‘more addictive than drugs’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:07:41 +0000

A woman whose habit of buying horses was “more addictive than drugs” has been jailed for five years for stealing £1.7m from her employer to fund her lifestyle.

Lisa Crawshaw, from Gainsborough, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, and was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court on 26 February.

The 45-year-old admitted taking the money to fund a “luxurious lifestyle, numerous expensive horses and equestrian equipment”.

The owners of the company she worked for discovered the thefts, which had been ongoing for approximately five years, when they started to receive debt-collecting letters after the sale of the company.

DS Ben Robinson, from the Humberside Police economic crime unit, said: “Fraud can be an extremely distressing offence to become a victim of, especially when the level of offending is of the magnitude in this case.

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“It is clear that Lisa Crawshaw had no regard for her employers and instead defrauded them to fund her own luxuries. With a habit of buying horses ‘more addictive than drugs’, as said in her own words, Miss Crawshaw not only destroyed a successful North Lincolnshire business, she also destroyed the owners’ years of dedication and future financial security.”

Mr Robinson said officers will continue to look into any assets that have been gained as a result of Crawshaw’s criminality.

“She will now have the next few years in prison to reflect on her actions, and I do hope this goes some way to bringing the victims a sense of closure,” he said.

“We are committed to tackling fraud of any scale, and would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud to report it through Action Fraud.”

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Equestrian world targeted by online fraudsters

Lucy Elder — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 13:01:11 +0000

Buyers are being warned that fraudsters are posting adverts for non-existent animals and accessories online.

Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, is urging people to be aware after false adverts led to more than £3million in losses between 2012 and 2018.

It warns that fraudsters are advertising animals and equipment online, including horses and equine equipment, at bargain prices. They then request a full payment or deposit via bank transfer or electronic wire.

A report from Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau found equestrian accessories accounted for 92% of monetary losses. Between January 2012 and May 2018, 368 reports were made concerning horseboxes or trailers.

The total reported loss was £1,145,369, with an average loss of £3,112 per victim.

Action Fraud director Pauline Smith said the upset and financial loss to victims “can be huge”.

“This is why it’s so important that you follow our advice to help protect yourself and always trust your instincts – if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is,” she said.

“If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to us.”

Between January 2012 and May 2018, horses made up 174 of the reports, with a total loss of £343,286 and an average loss per victim of £1,973.

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(Image credit: Action Fraud/City of London Police)

How to protect yourself from online scams

Online scammers are getting more and more convincing, so H&H offers expert tips to help you protect yourself

(Image credit: Action Fraud/City of London Police)

The report also found 61% of victims were female, and 22% were between 20 and 29 years old. It showed the impact had a significant impact on the health and financial wellbeing of 31% of victims.

Tips from Action Fraud and Horse & Hound to help protect yourself from online scams:

Always be alert
If something seems too good to be true, it usually is
Use your common sense; if the email doesn’t fit the expected process of selling or buying a horse/horsebox, you should be cautious
Don’t give out your personal or bank account information to someone who has called you
Be wary of offers to buy your horse/horsebox in the first email. Would you buy a horse or horsebox without seeing it? We all know that this doesn’t happen in real life.
Be wary of anyone asking for bank details in the first email in order to make a payment.
Always trade face-to-face
If you’re purchasing goods and services from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, or ask friends and family for advice before completing a purchase. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
Ask for photographs or videos of the animal; a responsible seller will understand why the buyer wants photographs and more information before making a purchase.
Avoid paying for good and services by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or payment services such as PayPal’s goods and services facility. Paying via “friends and family” does not provide the same level of protection.
Use the online marketplace’s “report” function if you come across suspicious adverts or sellers.
If you think you have fallen victim to this type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Four years behind bars for equestrian trade fraudster

Caroline Bankes — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:54:16 +0000

A Cheshire man who pretended to trade in equestrian products was jailed last week (15 February) after a £2m tax fraud was exposed.

Anthony Knowles, 57 of Clapgate Crescent in Widnes, submitted several suspicious VAT repayment claims to HMRC in 2013 prompting an investigation.

During routine checks on Knowles’ VAT repayment claims, HMRC uncovered “myriad false documents and lies”.

The investigation revealed that Knowles had provided officers with false paperwork, including bank statements, in a bid to convince them his multi-million pound business was booming – despite it being run from his two bedroom council house.

Knowles also falsely claimed that his business was being financially supported by a Sheikh — who HMRC was never able to trace.

There were three companies registered as trading from Knowles’ home address.

Eques Nobilis Ltd was described as manufacturer of advanced medical supplies.

H2 Healthcare Ltd marketed equine products and Zone 37 Limited sold equestrian items online.

“In this case, Knowles provided dozens of fake documents to convince HMRC he was genuinely trading as a multi-million-pound empire,” said Sandra Smith, assistant director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service.

“Throughout the investigation Knowles made a number of outlandish claims to prove he was legitimate – but our officers saw through his scam,” she added.

When Knowles home was searched, HMRC investigators found forged bank statements, fake supplier invoices, digital copies of signatures to create false delivery notes and evidence of luxury spending.

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Knowles had attempted to buy a Cheshire mansion and farm and received quotes for building a huge extension.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court.

“Knowles was attempting to steal a substantial sum of money from British taxpayers and his abuse of the VAT repayment system was ambitious to say the least. HMRC will now begin action to recover public finances stolen in this case under Proceeds of Crime legislation,” said Smith.

Fraudulent dealer ‘went to great lengths’ to sell horses

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 10:55:31 +0000

A horse trader from north Staffordshire who used a registered vet’s details fraudulently to obtain passports to sell his animals has been ordered to pay more than £3,500 in compensation, writes Amy Mathieson.

Mark Allman, 54, of Madeley Heath Farm, Madeley, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud at Stafford Crown Court on 15 October.

Allman used the registration details of Moorlands vet Ian Elkington and a business stamp from Mr Elkington’s practice, Moorlands Veterinary Centre in Leek, to obtain horse passports from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Allman was handed a two-year prison sentence — suspended for two years on each of the 11 offences — plus 200 hours unpaid community work, to be done in 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £4,226 costs and compensation totalling £3,720.

The prosecution was brought by Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards animal health team, which was alerted when one of the victims tried to trace a horse they had bought.

The signature on the horse’s passport had apparently been signed by vet Ian Elkington, but further investigations revealed that Mr Elkington had been on holiday on the date the passport was signed, meaning he could not possibly have signed it.

“Mark Allman went to great lengths to obtain passports for the horses he sold, using the name of a reputable vet and even going to the lengths of getting a business stamp made,” said county councillor Gill Heath.

“Horses cannot be bought or sold without a passport by law, so by getting these passports, Mr Allman was able to sell a total of 10 horses and make an estimated £29,000.

“We are grateful that due to the vigilance of one buyer, we have been able to bring him to justice and alert the public to these issues.”

Ref: H&H 3/12/15

Great Leighs founder arrested for VAT fraud

Horse & Hound — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 09:00:01 +0000

John Holmes, founder and former owner Great Leighs racecourse, was arrested last week (10 December) in connection with a £2.4million VAT fraud.

Mr Holmes was bailed to appear at his local police station in March. His partner Jill Turner and an unnamed 64-year-old man from High Wycombe, Bucks, were also arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials. They were not charged.

HMRC said they were questioned in relation to suspected fraud by “false representation, cheating the public revenue and money laundering”.

Mr Holmes told local newspapers he denied any wrongdoing.

HMRC has not divulged whether the alleged frauds took place during the development and operational period of Great Leighs, during which Ms Turner worked in the accounts department, or since the racecourse was sold on to MC Racetracks Ltd in 2011.

Mr Holmes is linked to MC Racetracks in his role as consultant to its betting partner BETSI Ltd. Ms Turner was the named agent on a recent planning application for the racecourse.

MC Racetracks chairman Keith Brown said he had “nothing to do with John Holmes” and could not comment further.

Great Leighs, in Essex, was Britain’s first new racecourse for more than 80 years when it opened in 2008. Its racing facilities were acclaimed by trainers and jockeys, but the grandstand drew criticism.

It was put into administration by the Royal Bank of Scotland in January 2009, just eight months after opening, owing around £23million.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) turned down applications in 2012 and 2013 from MC Racetracks to allow the “new” Great Leighs back into the racing calendar, without giving a reason.

The BHA said: “None of the individuals [arrested] is a licensed person [jockey, trainer or agent].

“This is a matter for HMRC.”

This story was originally published in 19 December issue of Horse & Hound.

Conmen targeting H&H advertisers

Horse & Hound — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 08:23:59 +0000

Horse & Hound advertisers are warned to be on their guard against fraudsters pretending to be H&H staff.

H&H has received a number of calls from people who have been contacted by scammers asking for their credit card details. They sound genuine and claim the initial payment for a Horse & Hound advert has failed to go through. Victims then find money missing from their account.

The calls often target people who have included their name in the advert. In the most recent cases the scammer has claimed to be H&H classified manager Leila Kojouri, which gives them greater authenticity.

“A woman called saying she was from H&H and that there had been an issue with the payment,” said Janet Morley, who was a victim.

“I had no reason to believe they weren’t from H&H, so I foolishly handed over my [bank] details.

“I mentioned there was a small error in the advert and she said she’d give me a free advert the following week. Alarm bells rang when the advert wasn’t in the next issue and money went out of my account.

“Fortunately I’ve got the money back [from my bank], but it was a lot of hassle and caused some distress.”

Leila Kojouri, H&H classified sales manager, urged advertisers to be vigilant.

“If anyone calls you asking for payment details, end the call then call us back on 0800 731 0616. This is a freephone number so it won’t cost you any extra. Please don’t be caught out.”

Suspected conman denies fraudulent activity

Horse & Hound — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:13:28 +0000

A suspected conman — thought to have targeted several horse owners — has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of fraud at Salisbury Crown Court.

Joseph Fox, 29, of Sedgehill, near Shaftesbury, Dorset, appeared in court on 7 January.

He has been released on bail and a three-week trial is scheduled to start on 17 June.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (31 January, 2013)

Horse owners warned against fraudulent lorry adverts

Flora Watkins — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:08:56 +0000

Fraudsters are continuing to target horse owners with adverts for non-existent lorries. Some have come close to being duped, despite warnings in H&H.

In October, H&H reported that Leicestershire-based rider Susan Bromell had been conned out of £4,200 by a fake listing for an Equi-Trek Show Treka trailer on eBay.

And earlier this month, Sue Harty from Attleborough, Norfolk, came close to parting with £3,500 for a newly built 3.5tonne Renault horsebox advertised on the Horsemart website.

The lorry had been built by the North Yorks firm AJ Horseboxes and was on its website for £22,995. It appears that the fraudster had lifted the description and photos from the site.

“It was a lovely looking box, although it did seem too good to be true [at that price],” said Ms Harty.

“But he had a very plausible back story; he had just got divorced and moved to Ireland. Sometimes real bargains do turn up and you don’t want to miss out,” she added.

She exchanged a number of emails with the bogus seller and agreed to pay £3,500 to his payment collection company, with the proviso that the lorry would arrive a few days later. But Ms Harty became suspicious when she noticed a website sticker for AJ Horseboxes in a photo.

A phone call to the company confirmed her suspicions and she pulled out of the sale.

Kellie Johnson of AJ Horseboxes told H&H that Ms Harty was one of several people to contact her, after growing suspicious of the fraudulent advert.

“We were angry and frustrated, and worried that it would devalue the box, because he [the conman] was giving a false impression that you can buy that sort of lorry for £3,500,” she said.

Police and Trading Standards are now investigating and Horsemart has removed the ad from its website.

But similar adverts for trailers continue to be listed on eBay and, in December, H&H pulled an advert for an Equi Sonic horsebox from its own classifieds, after it transpired that the seller was bogus.

For advice on how to protect yourself from online crime, contact Action Fraud, tel: 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 January 2013)

Former League Against Cruel Sports spin doctor jailed

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:25:54 +0000

The former head of communications for the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), Steve Taylor, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison – after admitting stealing more than £14,000 from the anti-hunting charity.

Taylor, aged 36 of Saltash, Cornwall, was sentenced at a hearing at Guildford Crown Court today (7 September).

Prosecuting, Nicholas Bull, told the court that between 2 January 2010 and and 29 October 2011, Taylor used his LACS credit card more than 300 times for his personal use.

The court heard that Taylor had previous convictions for dishonesty and had served 12 months in jail for deception and forgery.

There will be more on this story in the next issue of H&H, out on 13 September

Fraudster targets online trailer advert

Horse & Hound — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:53:17 +0000

An H&H reader says she was “horrified” to discover that a fraudster had hijacked her online advert for a trailer – and posted it on eBay.

Ros Evans, from Ayrshire, advertised her Equi-Trek Show Treka L on the Horse Deals and Horse Quest websites.

But she soon received phone calls asking if it was the same one that was listed on eBay.

She said the advert on the auction site was almost identical to the one she had posted online.

The bogus seller was offering the trailer for £3,200 – less than half the price she was asking – and requested that the buyer paid via eBay.

They claimed to offer free delivery within the UK plus a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Customers who attempted to contact the “seller” were unable to get a response from the number listed.

eBay said it is investigating the matter.

Mrs Evans told H&H she was left “feeling vulnerable”.

“I just hope no one has paid for the trailer that is still sitting in my yard,” she added.

Jamey Johnson, who runs the government agency Action Fraud, said buyers should be vigilant with expensive items.

“If an item is seriously under value, extra care should be taken. If the trader is cagey, play it safe and don’t buy,” he warned.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (29 September, 2011)

Warning of scammers at work, from H&H advertising team

Charlotte White — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:33:49 +0000

Horse & Hound has issued an important warning for all advertisers to watch out for fraudsters.

Head of classified sales Rob Edwards said: “We are aware of several cases where advertisers have been called and asked for payment or card details due to a transaction not going through or a systems crash which has led to card details being lost.

“Unfortunately these are scams which are becoming more commonplace and the people that are carrying them out are highly convincing professionals who are very astute at getting you to part with your card details.”

He said Horse & Hound may call advertisers for payment details, but if you have an advert running with us we will always tell you at the time of payment if there has been a problem with the transaction.

If you do not recognise the person calling or are at all unsure about the legitimacy of the call then please do not give your card details just call the Horse & Hound classified team on Freephone 0800 316 5450 to ensure that you are speaking to a genuine member of staff.

And please do let us know if you have had any calls over this weekend – H&H does not take payment details over the weekend.

Horse charity money misappropriated, claim officials

Horse & Hound — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:26:13 +0000

More than $60,000 donated to a charity to save horses from slaughter was instead used for gambling, shopping, meals and other personal expenses, authorities in New Jersey, USA, allege.

Prosecutors claim at least $61,422 in donations to NJ Horse Angels were misappropriated by the charity’s two trustees, 54-year-old Sharon Catalano-Crumb and 55-year-old Frank Wikoff.

They say the pair used internet social networking sites to raise about $145,000 between September 2009 and September 2010, claiming to be preventing horses bought at auction from ending up in Canadian and Mexican pet food factories.

NJ Horse Angels had more than 4,900 registered friends on one social networking website.

Although some funds were used to rescue, transport and care for horses, it’s alleged that Catalano-Crumb spent at least $60,000 on trips to Atlantic City casinos, shopping, meals, jewelry for Wikoff and on sending cash to her son, currently serving a life sentence at Trenton State Prison.

The case was lodged in the Superior Court of New Jersey on 2 December and will be heard next year.

Renwick conman George Schouten goes on the run

Charlotte White — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:18:51 +0000

Conman George Schouten is on the run after failing to turn up at court to be sentenced for three charges of fraud.

Schouten, 36, of Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, was sentenced to 27 months in jail in his absence at Reading Crown Court on 30 July.

He conned riders, including John and Laura Renwick, into believing he was a multi-millionaire with money to invest in showjumping.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (5 August, ’10)

John and Laura Renwick conned by fake IBM multimillionaire

Charlotte White — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:58:01 +0000

A fantasist conned showjumpers John and Laura Renwick and a number of their sponsors into believing he was multi-millionaire who wanted to invest in British horsesport.

George Schouten, 36, of Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud on 29 June at Reading Crown Court.

During 2008 George Schouten’s Team IBM was a regular on the show circuit, with Laura as its rider and John as team trainer, and saddlecloths and team kit supplied by Essex-based Ride Out Saddlery.

The conman also ordered £62,000 of horse therapy equipment from Zamar UK.

Patrick Riley of Zamar told H&H: “I was introduced to him at Wales and West two years ago. He said he was the son of the owner of IBM and was setting up a showjumping team.

“John was flying to Spain to look at £1m horses for him and Schuoten asked me to take some equipment down to his yard to try out on his horses. It all looked very legitimate.”

But Dutch-born Schouten’s luxury cars and large home in Berkshire were all hired to make the con look more believable, the court was told.

In reality he was working as a groom and had a previous conviction for fraud.

Two further charges relating to a theft and fraud involving John Renwick were left on file after Schouten paid the couple an undisclosed sum.

Schouten will be sentenced later this month.

Read more on this story in H&H issue 8 July

Disgraced NHS manager sells horses linked to fraud

Horse & Hound — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:47:38 +0000

A high-ranking NHS chief, who stole more than £200,000 from hospital trusts, has now sold the horses she bred using the money.

Louise Tomkins denied importing horse semen into the UK disguised as human semen for IVF treatment.

But she admitted defrauding the NHS of £201,333.27 between 7 July 2007 and

17 September 2008 and using the money to buy semen to breed quality dressage and showjumping horses.

She was ordered to repay the money by selling 18 of her horses kept at Southfield Stud in Horsham, West Sussex.

Thirteen of the 16 entered in the sale went under the hammer at Malvern Horse and Pony Sale on 25 May, raising £22,200 overall.

Six yearlings fetched between £1,400 and £2,200 each, despite being in malnourished condition.

Auctioneer Andrew Elliott said vets certified the yearlings as fit for sale at the Three Counties showground.

One broodmare Kunera, by top showjumping sire Burggraaff, had injured her foot on the lorry bringing her from Horsham and was treated by a vet at the sale ground.

Before the sale, auctioneers announced that a dispute between Ms Tomkins and stallion owners over covering fees meant stud fees of up to £1,600 were oustanding on some of the youngstock.

A series of broodmares, in good condition, also went under the hammer and the entire consignment was sold without reserve.

Miss Tomkins was released on bail from Southwark Crown Court in January this year in order to give her time to sell the horses. She is due to be sentenced today (10 June).

Miss Tomkins, who had worked as a senior manager for Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust in west London, was not present to see the horses sold.

“Despite looking poor the yearlings made quite good money, considering some of the [covering] fees that were outstanding,” said Mr Elliott.

“They achieved fair prices, particularly some of the older mares — who made as much as £3,500, despite being aged.

“Miss Tomkins was very helpful as far as we were concerned in providing the information that was needed.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (10 June, 2010)

Buyers warned to be wary of advert fraud

Horse & Hound — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:39:15 +0000

Trading Standards officers are warning horse buyers to beware of bogus online adverts posted by fraudsters.

In early June a stable owner from Somerset found one of her horses was advertised for sale by fraudsters after they copied her own advert.

Fiona Walker, owner of Dovecote Stables, found her ad selling a Friesian for £7,000 had been cut and pasted on to two horse sale websites — horsewizard.co.uk and dunsters.co.uk — but at a price of £900.

She said: “The original ad was on the Horse & Hound, HorseQuest and Horsemart sites, so they’d lifted it from one of these.

“I was alerted to these ads by a lady called Miranda Aldridge, who thought the price was too good to be true.

“The reply she got [from the supposed seller] was poorly written and obviously dubious and that’s when she contacted me.”

The fraudsters request a deposit, or if they can persuade the buyer, the whole amount, to be wired to a foreign bank and then nothing more is heard from them.

Ms Aldridge of Wiltshire, who buys horses for clients, said: “I believe this scam is on a massive scale and tends to happen with the foreign breeds and whatever is the latest fashion.”

Jackie Crockett, also of Somerset, found her Friesian horses fraudulently advertised at a very cheap price on the Horsemart and Horse Hunter websites with a premium rate phone number that would make money for the number owner.

She said: “I rang Horsemart but while they took the photo down, they didn’t remove

the ad. I think there should be more control over these online ads — the websites have got a duty of care to the public. I wasn’t even advertising my horse. They must have taken the details from our website.”

H&H private sales manager Paula-Jayne Mitchell said: “Recently it has become apparent that adverts from our website have been copied and readvertised on sites that offer a free service.

“We would like to assure all H&H readers that we are taking every step to check that

all adverts placed in our magazine and on our website are legitimate.”

And Justin Reeves of the Horse Hunter website told H&H: “It’s a nightmare. We’re trying to tackle it. Our biggest problem is with Cameroon and Nigeria. We’re trying to block the IP addresses from those countries but they find ways around it.”

Trading Standards spokesman Tony Northcott said they cannot touch fraudsters who operate outside the EU.

If you’ve experienced bogus online advertisements, call Trading Standards on tel: 08454 040506.

This news story was first published on Horse & Hound (2 July, ’09)

Russell Lewis Oakes charged with 84 offences

Horse & Hound — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:41:05 +0000

A man accused of working as an equine vet without qualifications has been charged with 84 offences.

Merseyside police have charged Russell Lewis Oakes, 42, of Shore Road, Hesketh Bank, Preston, with 84 offences relating to fraud by false representation as a medical doctor, fraud by false representation as a veterinary surgeon, deception, sexual assault, cruelty to animals, perverting the course of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The alleged offences relate to a period between October 2006 and March 2008.

Oakes is bailed to appear at North Sefton Magistrates Court on 20 March. During that time a condition of his bail is that he does not practice as a vet.

More H&H readers targeted by scams

Charlotte White — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:08:29 +0000

The horseworld has been targeted by conmen again this week, including an event rider who beleives he has been contacted by fraudsters three times this year.

Last month, eventer Clayton Fredericks had a narrow escape with a conman who tried to buy a horse with a false banker’s draft (news, 5 February).

Now, fellow eventer Paul Tapner thinks the same man contacted him offering to pay the full £40,000 asking price for a horse he is selling.

“I told him I don’t sell horses untried, “ Paul told H&H.

Then, on Wednesday (11 February), Paul was emailed by a man from Wales who said he wanted to buy another horse, Lilly, unseen and would send extra money to pay the transportation company.

The third scam came by text message on Friday (13 January).

“I have been selling horses in the UK for 10 years and to my knowledge I have never been approached in this way before,” said Paul.

Sellers of less expensive horses are being targeted, too.

Paul Neve, who runs Stylaways stud in March, Cambridgeshire, was emailed by a man in response to an advert for a broodmare he’s selling for £2,000. The man wanted to buy the mare unseen and pay extra to cover transportation.

Scam protection advice is available at www.consumerdirect.gov

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (19 February, ’09)

Clayton Fredericks rumbles horse fraud scam

Horse & Hound — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:43:32 +0000

A Dubai-based fraudster, who has previously tried to con people selling their luxury yachts and holiday homes, has turned his attentions to British horse owners.

Using the alias Craig Hamper, the scammer tried to defraud international three-day eventer Clayton Fredericks in December.

Two members of the H&H forum — user names JetSet and Pathelschoice — also reported being contacted by a Craig Hamper with enquiries about horseboxes they were selling.

In a similar ruse to one reported by H&H (news, 30 June 2005), the conman offered Clayton the full asking price for a horse after viewing photographs online and exchanging emails.

“I rang him back several times to check his story and could not get any real answers, but at the same time there wasn’t any reason for me to say I wouldn’t sell him the horse.”

Clayton was nervous about providing his bank details to the “buyer” so set up a separate bank account.

A little later, Craig Hamper sent an email to Clayton claiming his secretary had made a “terrible mistake” and had sent £20,000 more than the agreed price.

He asked for the extra cash to be returned when it arrived in the Fredericks’ account.

However, a diligent bank employee was suspicious when a banker’s draft arrived filled out in the horse’s name rather than in Clayton’s.

She queried it with the bank and found it to be fraudulent.

A Craig Hamper has also been linked to fraudulent attempts to buy property in Sardinia and yachts in Ireland.

Joey Dujardin of yacht broker Boatshop.ie told H&H Craig Hamper had targeted his clients.

For this article in full, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (5 February, ’09)

Conman Michael Baker has jail term reduced to 2 years

Horse & Hound — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:42:08 +0000

A penniless conman who lived with his parents while he tricked a top racehorse trader into spending millions on thoroughbreds today had his jail term slashed from 3 to 2 years by appeal judges.

Among 29-year-old Michael Baker’s victims was Charlie Gordon-Watson, a bloodstock agent whose clients have included Sir Alex Ferguson and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The audacious fraudster, of Pilgrims Way, Hollingbourne, Kent, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court last June after admitting fraudulent trading, obtaining services by deception and fraud by false representation.

But today, three senior judges at the Court of Appeal said a lesser term should be substituted because of the effect of his imprisonment on his sister, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Mr Justice McCombe told the court how Baker convinced Mr Gordon-Watson to buy millions of pounds worth of thoroughbred at auction, without intention to pay for them.

A £44,000 horse was also bought for him by another agent, Henry Cecil, but sold at a considerable loss months later when Baker failed to pay.

In other incidents, he made plans to buy a €62million luxury yacht in the Cayman Islands and negotiated with another dealer over a US$24m deal for more horses.

He even managed to convince Debenhams to begin looking for new premises in London after attempting to persuade the company to hand him the lease on its original headquarters in London for £8.5m.

And he conned local contractors and suppliers of around £214,000 worth of goods and services as he took over Maidstone’s White Horse pub, paying them with cheques which were never honoured.

When he was caught, he said he never intended to make any money from his fraud and told a probation officer that he enjoyed the feeling of being treated with respect by people of great means.

Sentencing him, David Griffith-Jones QC said the offences amounted to an “extremely serious” fraud, “calculated” and over a lengthy period of time.

Although the three-year term was fair in normal circumstances, Mr Justice McCombe today said the grave effect that his incarceration was having on his sister justified mercy.

“It is clear from what has been said in the various documents that his sister has been substantially dependant in the past on the appellant for her mobility and everyday care,” he said, after hearing the appeal with Lord Justice Toulson and Mr Justice David Clarke.

“In our judgment, the learned sentencing judge, in looking at these offences, could not in any way be criticised for the conclusion that the offences justified a term of imprisonment of a total of three years.

“The sums at risk were very large indeed and the frauds were persistent and repetitive.

“However, when those matters of personal mitigation are coupled together with the effect upon the disadvantaged sister, we consider that this sentence does call for some reduction.”

Man jailed for fraud after conning top trainer Henry Cecil

Horse & Hound — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:57:50 +0000

A man has been jailed for three years after conning trainer Henry Cecil and bloodstock agent Charles Gordon-Watson.

Michael Baker, from Maidstone, Kent, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 15 September after pleading guilty to four offences of false representation. He also admitted attempting to dishonestly obtain property.

The court heard that in April 2005, Mr Baker persuaded Mr Cecil to buy a £45,000 racehorse on his behalf. But Mr Cecil never received any of the money, and incurred “substantial costs” for training and stabling the horse that he consequently sold at a loss of £16,000.

And while Mr Baker was on bail for this offence, in October 2007, he defrauded bloodstock agent Charles Gordon-Watson by claiming to have £10million to spend on racehorses.

Mr Gordon-Watson subsequently bought three mares for over £2m at Tattersalls in December 2007.

But neither Mr Gordon-Watson nor Tattersalls were paid by Mr Baker (news, 27 March).

Mr Baker’s defence argued that he suffered from a personality disorder, saying his actions were not for personal gain.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (25 September, ’08)

Man accused of falsely registering as a vet faces disciplinary hearing

Horse & Hound — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:30:37 +0000

A man accused of working as a vet without qualifications will face an inquiry at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) on Friday, 18 April.

Russell Oakes, 41, of High Road, London N22, is accused of registering with the RCVS in November 2006 using a forged Australian degree.

Oakes began practising from Warren Farm, Formby, Merseyside at the end of last year. He was known among the equestrian community in the area as an osteopath, but local vets were concerned about the quality of his work as a vet.

Seamus Miller MRCVS, equine vet with Rufford Veterinary Group, contacted the RCVS, which in turn called the police. Oakes was arrested on suspicion of fraud and forgery, but later released without charge on unconditional police bail.

While a police investigation is still ongoing, Oakes is due in front of the RCVS disciplinary committee at 10am on Friday.

If found guilty of false registration, he will be struck off from the RCVS register and unable to practice.

RCVS spokesman Lizzie Lockett told H&H: “Mr Oakes is currently registered with the College, so the disciplinary committee can remove him from the register, suspend him or close the case with advice.”

Equine osteopath used forged degree to register as a vet

Horse & Hound — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:12:04 +0000

A man accused of setting up a veterinary practice under a false registration has been arrested. Russell Oakes registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in November 2006 and began practising from an equestrian yard at Warren Farm, Formby, Merseyside, at the end of last year.

He was already known within the equestrian community as an osteopath, but when local vets noticed inconsistencies concerning the standard and quality of work as a vet, they queried his registration with the RCVS.

“We had concerns from the day he set up the practice [Formby Equine Vets],” said Seamus Miller MRCVS, equine vet with the Rufford Veterinary Group in Lancashire. “It’s inconsistent that someone would suddenly bring up a five-year degree while working as a ‘back man’. We were most unhappy and contacted the RCVS to ascertain his provenance.”

Mr Miller said the RCVS initially seemed unconcerned because the man was officially registered with the body. But he and three other local vets persisted. It was discovered that Mr Oakes had registered using a forged Australian degree. The RCVS then took the matter to the police.

RCVS spokesman Ian Holloway said: “The police arrested Russell Lewis Oakes on Saturday, 1 March and are investigating our complaint.

“In addition to the police action, the RCVS is taking formal steps to review the alleged fraudulent registration.”

Merseyside Police would not reveal the bogus vet’s identity, but confirmed: “We arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of fraud and forgery. He was released on unconditional police bail.”

Mr Oakes has not yet been charged. Police said it would take around two months to put a case together.

A police spokesman, who would not reveal specifics of the case, admitted: “There are a lot of victims.”

H&H attempted to contact Mr Oakes but he would not return our calls.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (20 March, ’08)

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