A SUSPECTED fraudster wanted in connection with a con that coerced pensioners into posting large sums of cash has been arrested.

Last November, a specialist team of officers travelled to London as part of a large-scale investigation launched after a handful of elderly residents in Bedlington and Seghill reported they had been targeted by fraudsters claiming to work for HMRC.

The victims all reported being pressured into handing over valuables and cash.

Inquiries into the complex fraud led officers from the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU) to addresses in London and Middlesex, where a number of suspects were arrested and interviewed on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering, with the help of the Metropolitan and City of London Police.

Attempts to locate a further male believed to have been involved had been ongoing ever since.

On Thursday, officers travelled to Glasgow and a 31-year-old was arrested following the execution of a warrant and further searches were carried out. He was taken in police custody and he has since been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.

Detective Constable Andy Smith, of NERSOU’s specialist Bombay Team, which investigates offences of this nature, has called on the public to remain vigilant and challenge anyone they suspect could be a scammer.

He said: “Scams like this have such a detrimental impact on their victims, who are often left with nothing when they hand over their savings. Being coerced and manipulated can also shatter the trust they have in others and ruin their faith in organisations like the police, HMRC and the banks.

“We would urge everyone to ignore any approaches made by cold-callers on the telephone or through unsolicited letters. If someone knocks on your door, challenge them, ask for ID but never hand anything over. Remember it is only scammers who will get frustrated at you for asking questions and checking them out.

“We would also ask families with elderly relatives to make sure they haven’t been contacted. Remember, no reputable company will ever ask you to send them cash or valuables in the post and we would encourage anyone who thinks they might have been targeted in this way to contact police immediately."

 Detective sergeant Shaun Fordy, of NERSOU, added: “As part of Operational Sentinel, our initiative to tackle serious and organised crime, we will be focusing on the criminal groups who target and exploit vulnerable people in this way and looking to disrupt their operations and bring them before the courts.”

Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to police using the 'Tell us Something' page of Northumbria Police website. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, call 101 or report to ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040. If a crime is in place always call 999.

Mehakdeep Singh Thind (31), of Ranfurly Road, Glasgow, has been charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud and was due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' court yesterday (Friday.)