Investment Fraudster Banged Up for Nearly Nine Years
Paul Henderson, 55, has been locked up for eight years and nine months after duping 23 victims out of their hard-earned cash through cold, calculated investment scams.
How Cops Nabbed Henderson
The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) first got wind of Henderson’s shady dealings back in 2018. A crack team launched a no-holds-barred investigation, digging through bank records, recovering documents, and tracking down victims to build a rock-solid case.
Henderson, from Mansion Heights, Whickham, was arrested in March 2018 and charged with multiple fraud offences. Facing the mountain of evidence, he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at Newcastle Crown Court in January this year.
Victims Speak Out, Judge Delivers Sentence
Henderson ran his scams between 2012 and 2018, using cash from new victims to pay off earlier ones—a classic Ponzi scheme.
At today’s sentencing hearing, victims detailed the deep trauma he caused. One woman tearfully spoke on behalf of her late son, a victim who died from Covid during the legal battle. He had graciously asked to claim less than he was owed so others could get some of their money back.
“Our lives have been completely altered. Paul took money meant for our retirement—money we can never replace. He knew he would never pay us back,” said another victim.
Police Warn Public: Don’t Get Caught Out
NEROCU’s T/Detective Inspector Thomas Maughan praised the victims’ bravery and issued a stark warning: “If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always seek advice from trusted professionals before handing over your cash. Crooks like Henderson prey on hardworking people who have saved every penny.”
Detective Chief Inspector Clare Chandler, Head of Economic Crime at NEROCU, added: “Economic crime is a growing threat to the UK. Fraud and money laundering fuel serious organised crime and damage people’s finances and wellbeing. We are fully committed to hunting down criminals and their enablers.”
If you suspect you’re a victim of fraud, visit Action Fraud for advice and to report it.
