Explosive Fraud Plotter Jailed After Sending Pyro Parcels Across UK
A 26-year-old Cambridge man has been locked up for a reckless fraud scheme involving homemade explosive devices sent through the post.
Ovidijus Margelis’ Dangerous Scam
Ovidijus Margelis of The Paddocks, Cambridge, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to:
- Making explosive substances under the Explosive Substances Act 1883
- Fraud under the Fraud Act 2006
- Possession of articles for use in frauds under the Fraud Act 2006
Margelis sent pyrotechnic devices in parcels, which ignited small flames designed to burn away postage labels. This was part of his plan to fraudulently claim compensation for supposedly damaged goods that were never actually posted.
Nationwide Manhunt Ends in Arrest
The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command launched the probe in September 2020 after two parcels were reported — one in London and one in Scotland.
“Within two days of the national investigation being launched, officers had identified and arrested Margelis,” said Commander Richard Smith of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The investigation covered the entire UK with help from multiple police forces. They even uncovered a third parcel sent back in July 2020 to a warehouse in Warrington, Greater Manchester, and a fourth found in a Dunfermline sorting office in September 2021.
Risk to Public and Postal Workers
“Margelis’s actions were extremely reckless. The devices were designed to cause cosmetic burn damage but were capable of causing injury and caused alarm among postal staff,” Commander Smith added.
“This harebrained scheme caused disruption and wasted police resources. The conviction sends a warning to anyone trying similar frauds.”
Thankfully, no one was harmed, though one parcel detonated inside a Scottish sorting office. Police urge the public to report suspicious packages immediately to help prevent harm.
If You See Something, Say Something
Every year, thousands of public reports help police tackle potential terrorist threats. If you spot anything suspicious, trust your instincts and report it confidentially at GOV.UK/ACT.
Remember, in an emergency always dial 999.
