Memocan Topal, 19, and a 17-year-old have pleaded guilty to sending a homemade explosive in a refund scam.
Memocan Topal, 19, of Britannia Road, Ipswich, and a 17-year-old co-defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. They both admitted being in possession of a parcel containing a homemade explosive intended to fraudulently obtain a refund.
The incident occurred on July 4, when the pair sent a package containing a battery pack connected to a circuit designed to burn through the package’s tracking barcode. They believed this would allow them to claim that the package had been lost in transit and receive a refund. The pair filmed themselves creating the device before sending the parcel to a warehouse under the guise of a standard delivery.
The package arrived at an industrial estate, where it was opened by a worker who noticed the device and raised the alarm. Police were informed on July 8 and traced the parcel back to the defendants.
Prosecutor Anna O’Brien explained that although the device inside the package had heated up and singed the box, the defendants did not intend to cause harm. The parcel was meant to damage the barcode, preventing it from being scanned and falsely indicating the parcel was lost. O’Brien emphasized the serious risk the parcel posed, as it could have been placed among other flammable packages.
Although there was no intention to harm others, the court recognized the severity of the crime, especially considering the potential damage had the device not been noticed.
Topal, who has no prior criminal record, was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing on October 10 at Ipswich Crown Court. The 17-year-old will face court at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
This case highlights the risks of fraud and the potential dangers involved in attempting to manipulate the refund system.