Essex Man Nabbed for £88k Gold Scam in Pembrokeshire
A 24-year-old from Essex has been sentenced after snatching cash and gold worth tens of thousands from elderly victims in Pembrokeshire. Arnaldo Katalay, from Billericay, tricked three households into believing they were helping police root out corruption – but it was all a ruse to scam them out of their savings.
How the Swindle Went Down
Katalay targeted pensioners between November and December 2021, impersonating officers from Paddington and Charing Cross police stations. Using fake identities like “DCI Paul Stewart” and “DC Robert Lawrence,” he persuaded victims to buy gold bullion online. They spent tens of thousands, handing over gold and cash to ‘couriers’ Katalay sent to collect the loot.
- One victim handed over gold worth over £27,000 in three separate pickups.
- Another couple withdrew £7,500 in cash and bought almost £19,000 in gold.
- A third victim withdrew cash and Euros, handing the money to a man outside her home.
Realising they had been duped, victims reported the fraud to Dyfed-Powys Police, who teamed up with special ops units to track down Katalay.
Police Crack the Case
Investigators pieced together phone records and traced a taxi fare payment by Katalay back to one victim’s home. This crucial evidence confirmed he was the courier collecting the stolen goods. Katalay pleaded guilty in January 2023.
“These scams took a huge toll on the victims who lost life savings. It’s cruel and unfair,” said DCI Cameron Ritchie.
“We want the public to know police will never ask you to buy gold or hand cash to couriers. If you’re suspicious, call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
Sentenced but Not Locked Up
Katalay was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on 2nd March 2023. He received a seven-month jail term, suspended for two years, and 150 hours of unpaid work. Police warn scams like this are cunning and widespread, urging everyone to stay alert.
