A man and a woman were sentenced today, September 24, 2024, at the High Court in Edinburgh following a large-scale fraud investigation across Scotland.
Derek Moore, 42, received a sentence of 13 years and six months, while Julie Ann McQuade was sentenced to two years and six months for offenses including fraud, theft, and impersonating a police officer. The pair pled guilty to their fraudulent scheme on May 31, 2024.
The investigation, led by officers from Ayrshire, culminated in their arrests after properties in Hamilton and Rutherglen were searched in February 2022. Together, Moore and McQuade were responsible for stealing over £214,000 from unsuspecting members of the public throughout Scotland.
Moore and McQuade targeted victims by posing as police officers, claiming there was fraudulent activity on their accounts. During these calls, they asked personal security questions, which allowed them to gain access to the victims’ bank accounts.
Detective Inspector Ross Black, who led the investigation, stated, “Moore and McQuade targeted the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities, and it is right that they will now face the consequences of their despicable actions.”
He also took the opportunity to remind the public to remain vigilant against scams. “These scams are not always easy to spot, and anyone can be fooled. These criminals are experts at impersonating people, organizations, and the police. They often have details about a person they shouldn’t, which convinces victims of their legitimacy.”