General News·Yorkshire
Anthony Robert Pounder, 39, of Hawthorn Walk, Hartlepool, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud in connection with a £1.2 million fraud operation. In response, North Yorkshire Council is taking steps to ensure that the criminals behind this operation do not benefit from their actions.
This case marks the conclusion of the initial phase of Operation Zagreb, an investigation led by North Yorkshire Council into a nationwide housing repair scam that defrauded over 20 elderly and vulnerable victims of their savings.
The gang’s activities often involved unnecessary repairs, with customers being charged significantly more than the actual value of the work performed. As a result, many victims found their homes in worse condition, requiring substantial funds to rectify the damage caused.
In total, nine men have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme, with five appearing at Leeds Crown Court on July 26, 2024. The council is committed to recovering funds for the victims affected by this scam.