Pack House Manager Orchestrates £550,000 Fraud Using Fake Employees
A devious fraudster has been convicted after systematically conning her agricultural employers out of a staggering £550,000. Viktorija Lukjanova, a 36-year-old pack house manager, executed an elaborate scheme by inventing entirely fictitious employees and having their wages paid directly into her personal bank account.
Elaborate Deception Uncovered
Lukjanova, who worked for East Lothian Produce Ltd based near Haddington, was responsible for processing the documents used to pay agency workers. She abused this position of trust by forging time sheets and invoices to support the fraudulent payments. The court heard that she even used the names of family members for two of the bogus workers, adding a personal layer to the deception.
The mother-of-two, residing in Ormiston, East Lothian, was ultimately caught when a company manager recognised two of the names on the payroll. This discovery prompted a deeper investigation into the identities of several agency workers in January 2024.
Court Proceedings and Admissions
During proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, prosecutor Morgan Beattie detailed how concerns were initially raised. When the manager informed Lukjanova that CCTV would be reviewed to verify the workers' presence, she reportedly stated, 'I'm going to jail.' The fiscal explained that 'she went on to say people had been added to the time sheets who were not working at the pack house.'
Initially, the Latvian national denied any wrongdoing, claiming the workers were no relation to her. However, as the investigation progressed, Lukjanova admitted she had used the family names to cover for two agency workers who lacked the proper documentation to work legally in the UK.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Warning
Lukjanova was promptly dismissed from her position and later pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining £550,000 from the company. The court appearance took place last Thursday, where Sheriff Graeme Watson granted her bail but issued a stern warning. He emphasised that 'all sentencing options including custody will be open' when she returns to court next month for sentencing.
This case highlights significant vulnerabilities in payroll and verification processes within the agricultural sector. The substantial financial loss underscores the impact of internal fraud on businesses, particularly smaller firms like East Lothian Produce Ltd. The community in East Lothian has been left shocked by the scale and audacity of the theft, which involved systematic forgery over an extended period.
