Covid PPE fraudsters spent money on cars and watches

Covid PPE fraudsters spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury cars, watches and home renovations after running a scam during the pandemic, the court heard. Jogesh Bhandari, 59, and Craig Morris, 43, were convicted at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday for two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and concealing and transferring criminal property. Meenakashi Bhandari, 48, was found guilty of concealing and transferring criminal property. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the group claimed it could supply millions of boxes of nitrile gloves, and bank records showed that Jogesh and his wife used the money to buy Rolex watches, jewellery, holiday packages and cars. Prosecutors said Jogesh spent £126,000 on a new Porsche, along with funds used for a kitchen refurbishment. The NCA added that Jogesh controlled a 2020 company buying and selling nitrile gloves and provided forged documents to potential suppliers, including bank statements indicating up to $125m and letters of attestation. Sentencing is scheduled for 21 August.