Fraud Charges Unveiled in UK PPE Scandal Involving Indian-Origin Couple

An Indian-origin couple and another individual have been charged with fraud and money laundering in the UK, linked to PPE sales during the COVID pandemic. They allegedly defrauded companies of USD 2.35 million. The accused have pleaded not guilty and will appear in court in December.

Authorities in the UK have charged an Indian-origin couple, Jogesh Kumar Bhandari and Meenakshi Bhandari, along with a third person, Craig Vincent Morris, with fraud and money laundering. This follows an investigation into questionable PPE sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bhandaris, hailing from Loughborough, and Morris from Lytham St. Annes, appeared in court this week regarding accusations of selling nitrile gloves to the USA and Germany for over USD 35 million, while allegedly defrauding nearly GBP 1.9 million. The UK’s National Crime Agency states that the charges include conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.

All three accused deny the charges and have been released on bail. A trial preparation hearing is slated for December 16 at Leicester Crown Court.