Lytham man denies involvement in multi million pound coronavirus PPE fraud

Wednesday, 30 October 2024 14:56

By Central Radio News

A man from Lytham St Annes has appeared in court in connection to an investigation into a multi million pound PPE fraud.

The National Crime Agency investigation is linked to international Personal Protective Equipment fraud, where it’s alleged that a group brokered sale agreements to supply nitrile gloves to companies in the USA and Germany worth over $35 million.

The NCA allege the group may have defrauded the companies by almost £1.9 million pounds ($2.35 million).

Craig Vincent Morris, who is 41 and from Lytham St Annes, appeared in court earlier this week, along with Jogesh Kumar Bhandari, 58, from Loughborough, with both being charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and one of money laundering in relation to a scheme to benefit from PPE shortages during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jogesh Bhandari's wife, Meenakshi Bhandari (56), was charged with one count of money laundering.

All three pleaded not guilty and have been bailed to appear at Leicester Crown Court on the December 16 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

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