Blackburn Fraudsters Busted in Dawn Raids
Three Men Arrested After Coordinated Raids
Police swooped this morning on homes in Blackburn, hitting addresses on Azalea Road, Waterloo Close, and Moorgate Street. Two men, aged 37 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering. Another man, 48, also from Blackburn, faces charges of fraud and forgery. All remain in custody as investigations continue.
Operation Fardel Shuts Down Nationwide Courier Scam
The crackdown is part of Operation Fardel, launched back in November 2021 following a surge in courier fraud reports dating back to summer 2020. Across the country, over 30 victims have reported financial losses totalling a whopping £650,000. Luckily, most have recovered their cash thanks to quick bank action.
One heartbreaking case involved an elderly woman from Tarleton who lost £200,000 after fraudsters, pretending to be her bank, coaxed her into sharing bank details. She was then tricked into buying goods and leaving them for a fake courier outside her home.
High-Tech Investigation Yields Phones, Laptops, and More
Police pieced together mobile phone data and CCTV footage from across the UK to link the Blackburn addresses to the crime spree. Today’s raids seized a haul of mobile phones, laptops, and iPads critical to cracking the case.
Detective Inspector Mark Riley, from Lancashire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, warned:
“Victims are caught off guard by ruthless criminals using expert tactics to pressure them into acting immediately. This isn’t just about money – emotional scars run deep.”
He added that the raids aim to bring closure to victims and stop further fraud.
Part of National Push Against Fraud
The Blackburn raids come amid the Home Office’s Project Plutus week of action targeting organised crime gangs across Britain. During the crackdown, police also seized £250,000 linked to a money laundering probe in Blackpool.
Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said:
“It was great to join officers on the streets of Blackburn, cracking down on criminals who manipulate vulnerable victims and ruin lives. Fraudsters should know we’re coming for them and won’t rest until they’re off our streets.”
