Greenhithe Conman Posed as Millionaire and Swindled Thousands
Aidan Sinclair, 61, from Greenhithe, has been jailed for three years and two months for running a daring scam. Posing as a millionaire businessman, he tricked victims out of huge sums between 2020 and 2022.
Fake Documents and False Promises
Sinclair forged bank statements, contracts, and other papers to dupe three people. His neighbour was one victim who he convinced to invest in a fake company. He promised to help her secure a mortgage, claiming he was buying a multi-million-pound property.
- She handed over more than £18,000 over time.
- Only some money was recovered, leaving her with a £9,000 loss.
Another victim worked in finance and was shown a fake bank statement claiming Sinclair had £5 million offshore. Sinclair persuaded him to pay for Royal Ascot tickets – which never existed – and unpaid work. The victim lost around £36,000.
The third victim, a company director, was duped into believing Sinclair would invest £6 million in his businesses. Sinclair even signed a contract but the cheques bounced. At one point, he demanded a £45,000 “release fee.”
Arrest and Guilty Plea
Reports went to Action Fraud, and Kent Police arrested Sinclair at his Greenhithe home in August 2022. He later pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges at Woolwich Crown Court on 15 October 2024.
“Aidan Sinclair is a manipulative and dishonest individual with a history of offences, who causes financial hardship to his victims,” said Detective Constable James Burr. “Despite portraying himself as a wealthy businessman, he is a criminal without a shred of remorse.”
DC Burr urged the public to be cautious and follow the ABC rule of fraud prevention: Assume nothing, Believe no one without verification, Confirm all details. He added, “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
