A couple and a man have been brought before a Leicester Magistrates’ Court accused of involvement in a scheme to profit from the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has charged Jogesh Bhandari, 58, and Craig Morris, 41, with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Meanwhile, Bhandari’s wife, Meenakshi Bhandari, 56, has been accused of money laundering. All three of them have pleaded not guilty.
The NCA reported that the three defendants had brokered nitrile glove sales to firms in Germany and the US at a value of more than $35m (£26.9m). The trio stands accused of defrauding the firms of nearly £1.9m ($2.35m). Leicester Magistrates’ Court granted them bail, with their next appearance planned for Leicester Crown Court on 16 December.
Jogesh and Meenakshi Bhandari, who live in Loughborough, appeared in court on Wednesday. Craig Morris, who resides in Lytham St Annes, showed up to his hearing on Monday.
These charges reflect public concern over the potential for fraud related to PPE, as the public health emergency has driven demand for personal protective equipment in many parts of the world. The organised criminalisation of the production and supply of this equipment has been a concern raised by global agencies and authorities. Across the world, different governments have struggled with ensuring the safety of their citizens during the pandemic under these conditions
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