Eight members of an organised crime group have been sentenced to a total of 13 years and six months for defrauding residents across the East Midlands.
The gang targeted vulnerable homeowners—often elderly or disabled—between November 2019 and March 2020 in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Staffordshire. They cold-called residents, claiming minor roof repairs were needed, and in some cases caused damage themselves to demand further payments. Victims lost more than £133,000, while the gang attempted to charge over £208,000 for work that was unnecessary, overpriced, and sometimes unsafe.
The main offenders—Arthur Draper (41), John William Smith (45), and Jake William Garrigan (29)—were found guilty under the Fraud Act 2006 and of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at Leicester Crown Court on 26 September 2025. Another suspect, Jason Matthew Moore (44), failed to appear in court and remains wanted by Leicestershire Police.
The gang operated using false identities, fake company names, and misleading contact information. Their work was often of poor quality, leaving some homes insecure or even uninhabitable. Many victims had to hire legitimate builders to repair the damage, incurring thousands of pounds in additional costs. Homeowners who questioned the escalating charges were reportedly subjected to intimidation and hostility.
Six associates, including family members and friends, helped launder the fraudulent proceeds through their bank accounts. These included Adam Gary Pegg, Natasha Power, Colin Paul Bell, Bradley Freeman, and Wendy Clare Pegg.
The court handed down the following sentences:
Arthur Draper: 6 years and 4 months, including a breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order
John William Smith: 22 months suspended for 2 years
Jake William Garrigan: 14 months suspended for 2 years
Adam Gary Pegg: 14 months suspended for 2 years
Natasha Power: 14 months suspended for 2 years
Colin Paul Bell: 4 months suspended for 12 months
Bradley Freeman: 4 months suspended for 12 months
Wendy Clare Pegg: 16 months suspended for 18 months
The investigation was led by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigations Team East Midlands, with support from local police and Trading Standards offices across the region.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “Trading Standards officers have stopped criminals who used deceit to defraud people out of thousands of pounds. Some offenders even sabotaged homes they were paid to repair. This investigation safeguarded vulnerable residents and sent a clear message: such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Councillor Dawn Justice of Nottinghamshire County Council advised residents to be cautious of cold calls, never pay for unsolicited work, and report suspicious activity to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133.
