Six fake police officers jailed after elderly victims in Antrim among those targeted in £205,000 scam

(L-R) Ray Lee, Mark Millar, and Elijah Lee

Older people across parts of Northern Ireland, including victims in the Antrim area, were robbed of almost £205,000 in cash and jewellery by criminals who posed as police officers in a cruel fraud operation targeting vulnerable members of the community.

Six members of the gang were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Monday, June 29, after being convicted in connection with offences including conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, money laundering and possessing criminal property.

The group fraudulently obtained approximately £190,000 in cash and around £15,000 worth of jewellery from victims living in the Belfast, Antrim and Down areas between January 2020 and May 2021.

The scams predominantly targeted older people, with offenders convincing victims that they were at risk of becoming victims of crime and that money, bank details or valuables needed to be handed over to police officers for “safekeeping”.

Victims persuaded to hand over life savings and valuables

Police said the fraudsters used fear and deception to gain the trust of vulnerable individuals before persuading them to surrender cash and jewellery.

Detective Chief Inspector Uel Boyd described the offenders as “devious scammers” who deliberately preyed on older members of society.

He said:

“These devious scammers worked by persuading their vulnerable victims that they were going to be the victim of a crime and that they needed to hand over cash, bank details or jewellery to the ‘police’ for safekeeping.”

The detective added that the impact extended far beyond financial loss.

“It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could carry out this type of crime without a care for the fear and worry they caused these older people, not to mention the impact of the loss of their savings and valuables,” he said.

“Their victims were people who have worked, saved hard and contributed to society all their lives, only to be targeted by these criminals.”

Sentences handed down at Belfast Crown Court

The six defendants received a range of custodial and suspended sentences following the conclusion of the case.

The sentences imposed were:

• Ray Lee, 33, Belfast — five years’ imprisonment.

• Elijah Lee, 61, Belfast — 28 months’ imprisonment.

• Mark Paul Millar, 52, of no fixed abode — 20 months’ imprisonment.

• John Joseph Delaney, 49, Belfast — six months’ imprisonment followed by six months on licence.

• William McGinley, 37, Irvinestown — six months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.

• Shea Reynolds, 31, Belfast — six months’ imprisonment.

Police praise lengthy investigation

Detective Chief Inspector Boyd said the case involved a complex investigation lasting a significant period of time.

He said detectives worked “extremely hard over a prolonged period of time” to ensure those responsible were brought before the courts.

The senior officer warned that police would continue to pursue individuals involved in this type of offending.

“Anyone who seeks to engage in this type of criminality should be aware - the Police Service will use every available resource to pursue a criminal justice outcome and, more importantly, to protect individuals and communities from harm and exploitation,” he said.

Police say fraudsters are often highly convincing and use a range of tactics and scenarios to persuade victims that they are genuine.

Detectives warned that criminals can be “master manipulators” and urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when elderly relatives or neighbours may be targeted.

Police issue warning to families and older relatives

The case has prompted renewed calls for families to speak with older relatives about scams involving callers claiming to be police officers or officials.

Police stressed that officers will never contact members of the public asking for money, bank details or valuables.

Anyone receiving such a call is being urged to end the conversation immediately and contact police using the non-emergency number 101.

Detective Chief Inspector Boyd also encouraged people to report suspicious calls, emails or letters even if they are unsure whether an offence has been committed.

He said it is never too late to report concerns and urged people to seek advice if something does not feel right.

Stop. Check. Report.

Police are continuing to promote the “Stop. Check. Report.” message to help protect the public from becoming victims of fraud.

Residents are being encouraged to follow three simple steps:

• Stop — Never rush into transferring money or providing personal information to someone you do not know. Genuine organisations will give you time to verify requests.

• Check — Independently verify who you are speaking to using trusted contact details and, where possible, use a different phone line to confirm information.

• Report — If you believe you have been targeted by fraud, contact police, your bank and the appropriate reporting agencies immediately.

The warning carries particular significance for families in the Antrim area and across Northern Ireland as fraudsters continue to target older and vulnerable people using increasingly sophisticated methods.

Police are urging residents to take time to speak with elderly relatives and neighbours about these scams, as awareness and early reporting remain some of the most effective ways of preventing others from becoming victims.