‘Quick fix’ conman targeted banks

A conman defrauded cash from two major high street banks as a quick fix to get out of debt.

Remmy Albert (23) claimed he was paid up to £400 for picking up foreign currency from a bank ordered by fraudulent credit cards online — but played no part in ordering it.

Albert, of Beverley Street, Blackley, said he had been paid for collecting the money before being arrested at a NatWest branch in Oldham.

He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

Louise Brandon, prosecuting, said: “The defendant pleaded on the basis that the only part he played was to collect the money ordered.

“He knew the money was being ordered fraudulently but he played no part in it.”

The court heard how on each day between May 9 and 21, 2007, an application was made to the HSBC or NatWest bank online for foreign currency.

The money was then sent to local branches and would be collected by this defendant.

On each occasion, the order was in the name of R Albert.

Investigations revealed that the credit card details used had been obtained fraudulently.

“In total, £14,854.02 had been used in those transactions, added Miss Brandon. “As a result, the banks had to give the money back to the true owners.

“On May 22, the defendant was arrested at the NatWest branch in Oldham. He was interviewed at length.

“He told the officers that he was in debt and couldn’t pay off the debt he had accrued due to the death of his mother. His friend had offered to help him and he said he would pick up the currency and he would be paid between £100 and £400 for it.”

Alison Heyworth, defending, said: “He is a Nigerian national. He came to this country as a student. He had finished his studies now.

“The reasons for him committing this offence were that he saw it as a quick fix to get money to get out of debt.

“He is a young man of previous good character. Since his arrest he has continued to be a good father to his child, who is two. “

Suspending a 40-week prison sentence for 12 months, Recorder Roger Farley QC said: “Two things save you from immediate custody; one of those is how this case progressed and the second is how long it took to come to court.”

Albert was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.