Peterborough Men Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly in Bank Scam
Three men from Peterborough have been sentenced for their roles in a fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims, stealing their bank details and funds. The primary offender, Braden Strowthers, was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months for conspiracy to defraud, fraud by false representation, and money laundering. His accomplices, Tyrone Daley and Ross Strowthers, received suspended sentences of 10 months and 9 months respectively for their involvement in money laundering.
Between 2017 and 2019, Braden Strowthers deceived elderly victims by posing as a government official or local council representative, offering refunds or rebates. He manipulated victims into providing their banking information, which he then used to gain access to their accounts and initiate fraudulent payments. To further conceal his actions, he contacted banks while impersonating the victims, often disguising his voice as that of an elderly person.
In total, 70 fraudulent transactions, either successful or attempted, were linked to Braden’s scheme. Tyrone Daley and Ross Strowthers played key roles by acting as money mules—creating and using bank accounts to launder the stolen funds. Investigators found evidence on their phones that revealed plans to recruit additional money mules to further perpetuate the fraud.
The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), a specialized police unit sponsored by the banking industry, conducted the investigation and arrested the offenders. Detective Constable Colin Calvert of the DCPCU commented on the case, stating, “Braden Strowthers callously exploited vulnerable elderly victims, stealing their money through a deceitful scam. Tyrone Daley and Ross Strowthers helped facilitate the crime by laundering the stolen funds.”
The sentencing serves as a stark reminder that those involved in fraud and money laundering will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.
