A campaign launched by the charity Crimestoppers to locate ten of the most wanted fraudsters in the UK, who between them are believed to be responsible for more than £200 million worth of fraud, includes a man from Cornwall who is accused of conning unsuspecting holiday makers out of thousands of pounds. [2 August 2011]

Kevin Leitch, 48, originally from Liverpool, is wanted by Devon and Cornwall Police for allegedly taking bookings for a holiday letting in Cornwall, but then cancelling them later on without refunding his victims.

Leitch also uses the surname 'Branson'

Police have received a number of complaints from individuals who have fallen foul of the alleged scam, and they are keen to locate Leitch, who has also used the surname Branson. He is believed to have links to St Austell and Newquay in Cornwall, Brixham in Devon and Southampton.

Fraud cost the UK an estimated £38 billion in 2010

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

Not a victimless crime

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.

“The amount of fraud against the public purse is around £27 billion a year. This is equivalent to 30 per cent of the estimated national education budget for 2011/2012. Think of the many cuts and savings that would not have to occur if we did not suffer this level 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