In early February, authorities executed a search warrant at a souvenir shop on Oxford Street in London, leading to the arrest of two individuals suspected of operating a romance fraud scheme. Victims were lured into believing they were in relationships with celebrities and were encouraged to deposit large sums of cash. One victim reportedly handed over more than £60,000. The investigation is ongoing, and over £100,000 in cryptocurrency has been seized. The operation was conducted by the London Regional Proactive Economic Crime Team (PECT) following multiple reports from victims via Action Fraud's self-reporting system.
The scam operated out of a sublet office located in the backroom of the main shop. Individuals believed they were contributing money to well-known personalities with whom they had developed online relationships. Detective Inspector Steve Weller emphasized that romance fraud is one of the most despicable crimes, causing both financial ruin and emotional distress. Victims often suffer in silence, making it challenging for law enforcement to track and disrupt these schemes.
February is typically one of the busiest months for reporting romance fraud, especially around Valentine's Day. In 2024, victims reported losses exceeding £99.4 million to Action Fraud, with February witnessing the highest financial losses of the year. The arrests are part of Operation Henhouse, a nationwide initiative aimed at intensifying efforts against fraud. This operation is funded by the National Crime Agency’s National Economic Crime Centre and coordinated through the City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room (LFOR).
Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and cautious when engaging in online relationships. They advise against sending money or property to individuals met solely online, particularly if there has been no in-person meeting. Additionally, anyone considering investing in cryptocurrency should conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before proceeding. By staying informed and alert, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such heartless scams.