THREE men have been before the courts for frauds against elderly and vulnerable victims across the North East and West Yorkshire.

Amadeep Sokhal, 36, Kulwinder Singh, 25, and Mehakdeep Thind, 33, stole £120,000 from victims via courier fraud.

The complex scam involves criminals making telephone calls to victims, posing as police officers, bank staff and other figures of authority, and convincing them that their bank accounts have been scammed.

READ MORE: Northumberland residents warned about door-to-door scams

Criminals then ask for ‘vital evidence’ in the form of cash, valuables and bank details.

Thind pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering after arrest but Sokhal and Singh, underwent a five-week trial after denying the charges put before them.

The duo was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court in December last year; Sokhal was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering and Singh was convicted of money laundering.

On March 3, the three appeared before the same court, where Thind, of no fixed abode in the London area, was sentenced to five years and seven months for conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID.

Sokhal, of Allenby Road, Southall, London, was sentenced to four years six months for conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and possession of false ID, and Singh, of Old Cote Drive, Hounslow, Middlesex, was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 18 months for money laundering and 240 hours community service.

North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) Detective Constable Andy Smith said: “This is a callous crime type in which ruthless criminals target the most vulnerable members of our communities. I wish to commend the bravery of the victims, who supported this case and ensured that justice prevailed.

“Police officers or your bank will never ask you to hand over money, transfer funds, or send cash and valuables via post. If you receive a call like this, do not interact - hang up and report it immediately.”

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of courier fraud can report it to Action Fraud online or by phone (0300 123 2040). It can also be reported to the local police by calling 101.