Peterborough man jailed for orchestrating £500k Covid payment fraud scheme
Amjad tricked global businesses into handing over more than half a million pounds
Last updated 30th Jul 2025
A Peterborough man has been jailed for orchestrating a complex Covid-era fraud scheme that tricked global businesses into handing over more than half a million pounds.
Ali Amjad, 42, of Taverners Road, was sentenced to three years in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on 23 July after admitting to entering arrangements to facilitate the acquisition of criminal property and possession of criminal property.
Amjad was the ringleader behind a sophisticated payment diversion fraud operation, in which scammers impersonated legitimate organisations or suppliers to divert funds by manipulating direct debits, standing orders, and bank transfers.
Working with six accomplices, Amjad also exploited the UK Government's Covid Bounce Back Loan scheme, submitting false applications to funnel more funds. Police say the fraud totalled more than £500,000 and impacted victims across the UK and overseas.
One of the most significant cases involved a Cambridgeshire agricultural organisation, which lost over £205,000 in April 2020. Hackers intercepted company emails and altered invoices to make them appear as if they belonged to a trusted business partner.
International victims included companies in Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, and Singapore. In one instance, police discovered fraudulent invoices had been used to siphon funds from an oil company in Oman.
When officers raided Amjad’s Peterborough home in July 2020, they found over £80,000 in cash hidden behind kitchen kickboards, and another £3,600 concealed in a wardrobe. Investigators say Amjad was confident he would evade capture, boasting he only dealt in cash to avoid detection.
DC Alan Armstrong, who led the investigation, said Amjad had a history of money laundering, including a previous conviction.
He said: “Amjad orchestrated the movement of funds and the production of Bounce Back Loans with his side-kick Sergeant.
“This was a lengthy and complex investigation involving multiple suspects and international victims, but it’s enabled us to stop this gang in its tracks.
“I hope those convicted reflect on their actions and the damage they have caused to people’s livelihoods.
“Criminal activity like this is becoming more and more sophisticated and challenging to detect.
“If companies are in any doubt as to who is requesting a change to the payments they should stop, think and delay their next steps – no genuine organisation is going to pressurise them.”
Amjad's six accomplices were also sentenced for their roles in laundering the proceeds:
- Curtis Brown (28), Trice Way, Alconbury Weald – Five months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and 40 hours unpaid work.
- Keith Gibling (54), Ashbeach Road, Ramsey – Ten months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.
- Warren Laver (38), Ash Close, Huntingdon – Thirteen months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and 80 hours unpaid work.
- Thomas Pemberton (34), Bluebell Close, Ramsey – Ten months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and 80 hours unpaid work.
- Jerome Sergeant (35), Whitwell, Peterborough – Sixteen months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and 100 hours unpaid work.
- Tommy Fordham (34), Norwood Road, Somersham – 12-month community order and 40 hours unpaid work.
Amjad had a previous conviction for money laundering, and police say his latest scheme was meticulously coordinated. The case has highlighted the growing threat of financial fraud, especially in the context of global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.