British Fraudster Caught After 21 Years on the Run – Arrested in South Africa
A British conman who fled the UK two decades ago has finally been caught. Brandon William Pyatt, 64, was jailed in 1998 for multiple fraud and deception offences but skipped bail and vanished. The manhunt ended last week when South African police arrested him in Pretoria.
Fugitive Flees UK During Trial
Pyatt, originally from Droylsden, Manchester, was sentenced to five years at Chester Crown Court for masterminding a vehicle leasing scam in the 1990s. The fraud left victims penniless, wiping out businesses and livelihoods with losses running into tens of thousands of pounds.
He jumped bail midway through his trial and disappeared abroad, using a series of fake identities to dodge the law. Despite decades on the run, the National Crime Agency (NCA) never gave up chasing him.
Global Manhunt Ends in Pretoria
Thanks to a joint operation between the NCA and the South African Police Service, Pyatt was finally nabbed last week. New arrests relate to further allegations of fraud and theft linked to his time in South Africa.
Pyatt appeared in Durban court yesterday, charged with these fresh offences. He faces local prosecution before extradition proceedings start to bring him back to the UK.
Law Enforcement Praise Persistent Pursuit
Ian Cruxton, head of international operations at the NCA, said: “Pyatt travelled across the world, hiding behind multiple aliases. He is a prolific fraudster who continued offending in South Africa. His arrest shows that no matter how far or how long it takes, we will find fugitives and bring them to justice.”
Danny Murphy, who led the original investigation and pursuit, added: “This arrest brings me great personal satisfaction after over 20 years. The victims deserve closure and I thank them for their incredible patience.”
The case shows the NCA’s global reach and commitment to cracking down on serious criminals wherever they run.
Stay tuned for live updates on this breaking story. Follow us on Facebook @uknip247 and Twitter @uknip247.
