22 members of an Organised Crime Group [OCG] were sentenced for their roles in a group of rogue builers that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims and cheated them out of money totalling in excess of £1 million. The group operated across the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and more than 40 victims were grossly overcharged for unnecessary or poor-quality roofing repairs and building work and then hid their ill-gotten gains by moving monies throughout multiple bank accounts in an attempt to disguise it.
Mark Thompson, a Director in DWF's Prosecution Team, was instructed by City of York Council to act as the prosecution reviewing Lawyer in 2023, when the first defendant was arrested and remanded in custody. The case was prosecuted following a major investigation by the National Trading Standards Yorkshire and Humber Regional Investigation Team, hosted by City of York Council.
Supported by other members of DWF's Prosecution Team, 22 defendants were convicted (some following trials). Over 40,000 pages of evidence was served and thousands of items of unused material was reviewed.
43 victims were defrauded by the group, targeted for their vulnerability. The victims were typically cold called and advised of small repairs required to their roofs, before being told that more extensive and urgent repairs were required. Prices escalated rapidly and victims were pressured into handing over their life savings, with some victims losing over £100,000.
The 'head' of the OCG was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to convert criminal property. Other members of the group also received lengthy custodial sentences.
A number of those only involved in the money laundering received Suspended Sentence Orders, with one defendant benefiting from the new regime introduced recently by the Sentencing Act 2026, which permits sentences of up to 3 years imprisonment to be suspended. Sentencing these defendants, HHJ Kidd stated "Money laundering is a disease that allows serious crime to take place".
A number of the defendants will also face confiscation proceedings next year under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
DWF's Prosecution Team prosecutes on behalf of a number of local authorities and other organisations. If we can help you prosecute successfully, please contact Mark Thompson or Simon Belfield.
Mark Thompson, a Director in DWF's Prosecution Team, was instructed by City of York Council to act as the prosecution reviewing Lawyer in 2023, when the first defendant was arrested and remanded in custody. The case was prosecuted following a major investigation by the National Trading Standards Yorkshire and Humber Regional Investigation Team, hosted by City of York Council.
Supported by other members of DWF's Prosecution Team, 22 defendants were convicted (some following trials). Over 40,000 pages of evidence was served and thousands of items of unused material was reviewed.
43 victims were defrauded by the group, targeted for their vulnerability. The victims were typically cold called and advised of small repairs required to their roofs, before being told that more extensive and urgent repairs were required. Prices escalated rapidly and victims were pressured into handing over their life savings, with some victims losing over £100,000.
The 'head' of the OCG was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to convert criminal property. Other members of the group also received lengthy custodial sentences.
A number of those only involved in the money laundering received Suspended Sentence Orders, with one defendant benefiting from the new regime introduced recently by the Sentencing Act 2026, which permits sentences of up to 3 years imprisonment to be suspended. Sentencing these defendants, HHJ Kidd stated "Money laundering is a disease that allows serious crime to take place".
A number of the defendants will also face confiscation proceedings next year under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
DWF's Prosecution Team prosecutes on behalf of a number of local authorities and other organisations. If we can help you prosecute successfully, please contact Mark Thompson or Simon Belfield.
