A campaign launched by the charity Crimestoppers to locate ten of the most wanted fraudsters in the UK includes four individuals from London accused of fraud totaling over £31 million. [2 August 2011]

The campaign has been launched following reports earlier this year that fraud cost the UK an estimated £38 billion in 2010.

The wanted four

The wanted individuals from London that feature as part of the campaign are Timur Mehmet, wanted by HMRC in connection with a large scale VAT fraud that totals around £25 million, Misba Uddin, wanted for questioning by London Met for the alleged submission of fraudulent mortgage applications worth £5.7 million, and Mohamad Khan, wanted by City of London Police in connection with the alleged purchase of over £100,000 worth of high value goods using counterfeit credit cards.

The fourth is unknown to police and the public’s help is needed to identify the person. The female, also being sought by City of London’s police force, is believed to be responsible for committing bank account fraud to the value of £650,000.

A fifth member of the campaign, 33-year-old Jascent Nakawunde, is wanted by South Wales police for allegedly defrauding an elderly lady in her care in Cardiff and is believed to have links to London.

Top ten wanted in connection with £200 million worth of fraud

The ten on Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted Fraudsters list are believed to be responsible for at least £200 million worth of fraud.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “This is not a victimless crime. Every single one of us is paying higher taxes, bank charges and insurance fees because of fraud.

“Serious fraudsters often operate as part of gangs and fraud is just one of their business streams. This can result in the funding of drugs and people trafficking, which causes real harm to many.

How to give information

If you have information about fraudsters you can pass it on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by filling out our anonymous online giving information form.

Read the press release on the launch or see the fraud appeals on Most Wanted