ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

All About the Royal Mail Heist Which Drained Millions in Funds From the Postal System

The fraud involved the under-declaration of mail that was posted through a network of logistics companies in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
PUBLISHED FEB 14, 2024
Cover Image Source: A Royal Mail van in North London, England | Getty Images | Photo by Graeme Robertson
Cover Image Source: A Royal Mail van in North London, England | Getty Images | Photo by Graeme Robertson

The postal system has been hit by mail fraud for a long time, and despite efforts to curb the menace, scammers keep coming up with innovative ploys to siphon off money from organizations globally. Narinder Sandhu, a 62-year-old conman, was recently put behind bars for orchestrating a sophisticated decade-long fraud that drained $97 million from the Royal Mail. Sandhu, along with his brother Parmjeet and accomplice James Mooney, manipulated the postal system with false declarations, leading to personal financial gains.

The first and second class postage stamps Royal Mail |  Getty Images | Photo by Matt Cardy
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Matt Cardy

Sandhu, the proprietor and director of Pack Post International LTD (PPIL), was the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme that went on from 2005 to 2017. Along with his brother, Parmjeet, 56, and co-conspirator Mooney, 44, Sandhu exploited loopholes within the Royal Mail's self-declaration system.

Through a meticulously crafted strategy involving false declarations regarding the quantity, weight, class, and destination of mail, they systematically drained the Royal Mail and various other postal operations.

A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben | Getty Images | Photo by Jack Taylor
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jack Taylor

Living in a multi-million-pound mansion in Buckinghamshire, Sandhu enjoyed his illicit gains, which he spent on luxuries such as a Bentley and a Rolls Royce that graced his driveway. His estate even featured an indoor pool and various other amenities.

Described as "integral" to the fraud, Parmjeet did not reap rewards on the same scale as his brother. Nevertheless, he declared an income of $627,353 per annum in the tax year 2014/15, highlighting the significant financial gains made through the fraudulent activities.

Despite a challenging divorce settlement, Parmjeet owned real properties valued at around $3.2 million as of December 2020. Mooney, on the other hand, played an important role in the group's activities. Starting as an administrative assistant, he later became involved with major roles, capitalizing on his role in data entry. His lack of higher education and qualifications, combined with low pay, made him a susceptible recruit for these fraudulent activities.

Image Source: Kindel Media/Pexels
Image Source: Photo by Kindel Media | Pexels

For playing a part in the fraudulent scheme, Sandhu received a four-year prison term, while Parmjeet admitted to obtaining services dishonestly and Mooney admitted conspiracy to commit fraud, receiving suspended sentences at Southwark Crown Court. Moreover, Sandhu and Pack Post International LTD (PPIL) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.

While the two landed up in jail, Parmjeet was granted conditional bail pending sentencing for all the charges. The sentencing is scheduled to take place at the same court in October.

"In one sense you may find it frustrating because you have heard the opening but heard no evidence in this case, but it is the duty of all counsel to try to strive to achieve an outcome which is in the interests of justice. I am sure what happened this morning is in the interest of justice. I am sure that this is a satisfactory outcome," the judge told the jury.

Image Source: Krisanapong/ Getty Images
Image Source: Photo by Krisanapong | Getty Images

The Royal Mail heist reflects the challenges major institutions face in safeguarding against fraudulent activities. Large-scale scams not only jeopardize financial health but also erode public trust. The case emphasizes the continuous need for advancements in security measures, especially in industries with prevalent self-declaration systems.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The founders of "The Long Hairs" made a rocking pitch that had the sharks headbanging.
5 hours ago
The family watched the show as a way to help their son learn problem solving skills from the games.
6 hours ago
Jonathan Deiersing pitched his innovative men’s padded underwear line, "Rounder Bum" in the Tank.
9 hours ago
Drew Carey is talented in a lot of ways and contestants also bring their unique skills on the stage sometimes.
10 hours ago
Seacrest was so astonished that he had to test the contestant's strength right then and there.
1 day ago
Drew Carey is quite a sensation when it comes to performing viral dance trends.
1 day ago
The guest initially expected her grandmother's painting to be worth a couple hundred dollars.
1 day ago
The creators of the show apparently went too far with the joke but tried to make up for it too.
2 days ago
The TikTok creator claimed that the recalled products are widely used by low-income and middle-class families.
2 days ago
The star was stopped midway by his partner while fans loved the look.
2 days ago
Viewers couldn't believe what they saw and some even suggested it could be a prank.
2 days ago
Cuban offered the entrepreneur a "geek to geek" offer that he couldn't refuse.
2 days ago
Reports suggest that the anti-theft measures are causing hostility between shoppers and workers.
3 days ago
Seemed like inflation has been eating into the nuggets sold by Walmart under Great Value.
3 days ago
The entrepreneur shared that it was a habit of his to reward the people who worked hard for him.
4 days ago
Pointing at the shelf full of Great Value Orange Juice, the creator said that the brand is trying to fool people.
4 days ago
For the contestant named Linda, the deal was further sweetened as she got to meet a celebrity.
5 days ago
When it was her turn to play, Mama Doris went blank on the fifth answer costing her team.
5 days ago