Model Confesses to Elaborate Romance Fraud Involving Fake £16m Inheritance
A former model has admitted to conning multiple men by falsely claiming she was due to inherit a £16 million fortune, pleading guilty to over a dozen counts of theft and fraud in a high-profile case. Gemma Kingsley, aged 50, constructed what detectives described as 'a web of lies' to deceive several victims into romantic relationships, leveraging the prospect of her supposed financial windfall to extract large sums of money.
Victims Duped into Funding Lavish Expenses
Court documents reveal that Kingsley manipulated one victim between January 2016 and January 2018, telling him she was set to receive a 'total inheritance fund' of £42 million, with a solicitor allegedly confirming £16 million. Using forged letters from professionals, she convinced him to spend thousands on a wedding that never occurred, furniture for a new home, dental bills, and her personal debts, under the false promise of reimbursement.
This victim lost 'in excess of £100,000' as Kingsley also stole his money, opened a betting account in his name, and gambled away funds using his bank cards. After that relationship ended, she targeted another victim with similar lies, leading him to front deposits for a Land Rover, a Porsche, and extravagant hotel stays they could not afford, accumulating significant debt through unauthorized card use.
Police Investigation Uncovers Wider Fraud Network
The fraud came to light in 2019 when a report indicated Kingsley had fraudulently used a friend's bank details to stay at Cromhall Farm in Chippenham, sparking a Wiltshire Police probe. Investigations uncovered that she had also committed theft and fraud against solicitor's firms, lawyers, and a bank by falsifying documents. Additionally, she used personal and company bank cards of two other individuals during brief relationships in autumn 2019 without their knowledge.
Kingsley was charged with various offences and served a summons on June 18, 2025, but failed to attend court. Eleven days later, she was arrested on the Isle of Skye after Police Scotland spotted her speeding. She later pleaded guilty at Swindon Crown Court to six counts of theft, four counts of fraud by false representation, two counts of using a false instrument with intent, and one count of possessing an article for use in fraud.
Emotional and Financial Toll on Victims
Detective Constable Melissa Pope from Wiltshire Police's fraud team emphasized the severe impact on victims, stating, 'Kingsley wove a web of lies with her victims, causing significant emotional anxiety and long-term mental and financial harm.' She noted that one victim had planned an expensive wedding, with relatives booked to travel from Australia, only for it to be cancelled at short notice.
Pope added that Kingsley delayed the court process by denying her actions until the last moment before a trial, giving false statements and citing health issues to avoid charges. 'I'm pleased she has finally admitted the romance fraud charges against her, as well as a number of other fraud and theft offences relating to other victims. I hope that her victims can now start to move on from this traumatic experience,' she said, highlighting the breach of trust that can take years to recover from.
Kingsley has been remanded into custody and is scheduled for sentencing on March 25, as authorities continue to address the fallout from her deceptive schemes.
