Nine individuals convicted or accused of serious fraud offences are currently featured on Crimestoppers' most-wanted list, with authorities across the UK intensifying efforts to locate them. These fugitives have been involved in a range of criminal activities, from a £25 million carousel fraud impacting taxpayers to deceptive travel agency scams that left thousands of holidaymakers out of pocket. The public is being urged to assist by providing any anonymous information via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Detailed Profiles of the Wanted Fraudsters
Peter Gifford and Penelope Lawton
Devon and Cornwall Police are seeking Peter Gifford and Penelope Lawton for failing to appear for fraud offences in 2007 and 2010. Both were convicted in 2016 of three counts of mortgage fraud, with Gifford also found guilty of conspiring to launder approximately £320,000 from the USA. They were last seen boarding the Eurotunnel to France. In December, their application to appeal convictions was refused by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Dan Doran
Dan Doran is wanted for not attending Torquay Magistrates' Court in 2011 regarding fraud offences. A member of the travelling community, he operates nationwide through various building, driveway, and gardening firms, using company names like Brunel Driveways and West Country Driveways.
Ersin Mustafa
From 2006 to 2008, Ersin Mustafa allegedly engaged in insider dealing, abusing his position at an investment bank to steal confidential information on mergers and acquisitions. His group made around £2.5 million in criminal profits. Arrested in 2008 and released on bail, he failed to report to a London police station in December 2009 and is believed to have fled the UK.
Christakis Philippou
Between 2004 and 2006, Christakis Philippou was involved in conspiracies to acquire or set up travel agencies used for fraud. These agencies offered cut-price holidays, undercutting legitimate businesses, then ceased trading, leaving an estimated 20,000 customers defrauded and without holidays.
Timur Mehmet
Timur Mehmet is wanted for his role in a Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, known as a carousel fraud, causing a £25 million loss to the UK. After appearing at Northampton Crown Court in 2007, he failed to attend his trial, was convicted in absentia in 2008, and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, having left the UK.
Stephen Anderson
Kent Police are seeking Stephen Anderson for fraud by false representation. He failed to appear at Margate Magistrates’ Court in May 2016, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Now over 70, he has been at large for a decade.
Ryan Herrman
Ryan Herrman is sought after failing to attend Westminster Magistrates Court in January 2023. Linked to Herrmann’s Lawyers, he has falsely claimed origins from the USA or Australia and used the title 'Dr'. Authorities warn against hiring him for legal services, as he is not authorised for such activities.
Shazad Ghafoor
Shazad Ghafoor is wanted for multiple offences, including fraud, dangerous driving, possession of criminal property, and drug-related crimes. In August 2013, as a disqualified driver, he took a courtesy car in Manchester using a fake license, leading to a police pursuit in Halifax where £80,000-£100,000 in cash with drug traces was recovered. He is also linked to cannabis seizures worth over £245,000 in Manchester.
These cases highlight ongoing challenges in combating fraud, with Crimestoppers emphasising the importance of community vigilance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the anonymous hotline to help bring these individuals to justice.
