Arrests made over virus test kit scams
AN Uxbridge surveyor has been arrested on suspicion of taking advantage of the current crisis and allegedly committing fraud involving coronavirus tests.
The 39-year-old suspect was arrested after allegedly making false and misleading claims about the capacity of tests he was hoping to sell.
He was stopped while driving by national crime agency (NCA) officers, who reportedly found 250 covid-19 testing kits and promptly arrested him under the fraud act.
According to investigators the suspect told them that he was planning on selling the kits to construction workers.
A spokesperson for the NCA said: “on Easter Sunday (April 12) a 39-year-old surveyor from Uxbridge was stopped while driving his car.
“Inside the vehicle were 250 Covid-19 testing kits. He was arrested under the fraud act 2006 on suspicion of making false and misleading claims about the capability of the tests.
“He told investigators he was planning on selling the kits to construction workers. He was released on conditional bail.”
The arrest comes at the time of a second NCA investigation where a pharmacist in south London was arrested also for allegedly making false and misleading claims about the tests’ capability.
NCA officers seized around £20,000 from this second suspect.
Nikki Holland, NCA director of investigations, said: “Criminals capitalise on fear and anxiety and they will exploit any opportunity, no matter how awful, to line their pockets.
“Illegally selling testing kits completely undermines the nation’s collective response to the pandemic and actually endangers lives.
“Anyone thinking of trying to profit in this way should take note of these arrests and that bringing these offenders to justice and ceasing their activities is a key priority across law enforcement.”
Graeme Biggar, director general of the national economic crime centre, said: “Covid-19 is increasingly being used as a hook to commit fraud – and we think these offences are likely to increase during the pandemic.
“Individuals and businesses need to be fully prepared for criminals trying to turn the pandemic to their advantage by scamming them out of money.
“Law enforcement, government and the private sector are working together to protect the public and combat these offenders.
“If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to action fraud or Crimestoppers. If you are in Scotland report it to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.”