"Some of these purchases have had catastrophic consequences"
Shahid Khan, aged 27, of Rochdale, was jailed for four years and eight months after he used stolen bank card details to buy goods worth thousands of pounds.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard that around £460,000 worth of “fraudulent activity” was found to be connected to him.
Police explained that Khan’s criminal operation had “catastrophic consequences” on some small businesses he targeted.
Khan pleaded guilty to a series of fraud offences. He also admitted possession of cocaine.
He was convicted following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
In a statement, they said: “Shahid Khan, aged 27, of Clifford Street, Rochdale, pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, and was sentenced at the same hearing to four years and eight months imprisonment.
“Khan admitted to a conspiracy to defraud which occurred between 2 May 2017 and 29 November 2018, when he conspired to defraud numerous companies.
“He also admitted possession of a class A drug, namely cocaine, on November 29, 2018.”
Police added that the fraudster purchased tyres, paint and copper piping in “large quantities”.
On January 21, 2021, Khan was jailed for four years and eight months.
After the case, Detective Constable Tracy Jones, of SEROCU, said:
“The fraudulent activity Khan has been found to be involved with included buying stolen bank card details and using them to make fraudulent purchases.
“Some of these purchases have had catastrophic consequences on the small businesses Khan targeted, with some losing thousands of pounds.
“In total around £460,000 worth of fraudulent activity was found to be connected to Khan.”
“Items such as tyres, paint and copper piping were purchased in large quantities and as the judge echoed, this was not a victimless crime.
“This case and the work which has gone into the investigation of Khan’s crimes has shown that the evidence was so compelling, he was left with no other choice other than to plead guilty.
“Crimes like this have wide-reaching consequences and will be investigated thoroughly.
“Unfortunately, anyone could be targeted by those committing fraud.
“Our advice is to stop, challenge and protect.
“If you are a business, genuine customers would not mind you using due diligence.
“Take care to check the card has the same address as the items being delivered and check the security number on the card.
“Also ensure you have information from your bank about chargebacks and ask for specific advice so you can be protected in the future.”
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