The subject of Operation Sweep was Luca FERRIONE, an Italian national who visited the UK to conduct criminal activity, usually for weeks at a time and sometimes adding up to half the calendar year.
FERRIONE targeted older individuals, to sell or force on them cheap jackets, which were misrepresented as quality Italian leather made by designer brands. Inflated prices were paid. An 86-year-old Powys resident was approached whilst on a short walk, told to get into FERRIONE’s hire car and taken to a cash machine. Not only did the victim lose money, his mental well-being was also affected.
Littleton Murdoch led an investigation for Powys Trading Standards, in conjunction with Dyfed Powys Police. Victims across Mid Wales, South Wales and other parts of the UK were identified. A legally authorised surveillance operation was conducted, which gathered further evidence in hope that the victim witnesses would not be subjected to the stress of attending court .
FERRIONE was arrested and his rental apartment and vehicle searched. Jackets, cash and other evidence was seized.
On 24th February 2020 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court FERRIONE pleaded guilty to “participating in a fraudulent business”, an offence under the Fraud Act 2006. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order, which bans him from carrying out business activity (including selling) in the UK for 10 years.
https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/judges-commendation-for-case-against-rogue-trader/
FERRIONE targeted older individuals, to sell or force on them cheap jackets, which were misrepresented as quality Italian leather made by designer brands. Inflated prices were paid. An 86-year-old Powys resident was approached whilst on a short walk, told to get into FERRIONE’s hire car and taken to a cash machine. Not only did the victim lose money, his mental well-being was also affected.
Littleton Murdoch led an investigation for Powys Trading Standards, in conjunction with Dyfed Powys Police. Victims across Mid Wales, South Wales and other parts of the UK were identified. A legally authorised surveillance operation was conducted, which gathered further evidence in hope that the victim witnesses would not be subjected to the stress of attending court .
FERRIONE was arrested and his rental apartment and vehicle searched. Jackets, cash and other evidence was seized.
On 24th February 2020 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court FERRIONE pleaded guilty to “participating in a fraudulent business”, an offence under the Fraud Act 2006. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order, which bans him from carrying out business activity (including selling) in the UK for 10 years.
https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/judges-commendation-for-case-against-rogue-trader/