Sentences of up to five years in prison were handed down this Friday evening by magistrates at the Bobigny court against five people convicted of their participation in an exceptional gift voucher scam. A scam that operated between May 2021 and July 2022.
To summarize, by posing as communities like the Société du Grand Paris, the crooks had ordered an astronomical quantity of gift vouchers and other presents from companies. As payment was delayed, by the time the deception was discovered, it was too late and the goods had already been recovered. Results: seven mystified companies and damage estimated at 1.34 million euros.
Each time, the scammers created an email address close to that of the community in question, sent a standard letter and spear-phished their target. To receive the products, the scammers had everything handed over to the public highway, particularly in the Goutte-d’Or district in Paris (18th century) or in an industrial zone in Stains (Seine-Saint-Denis).
At the head of this scam, two brothers. Rachid C., 34, was sentenced to five years in prison, two of which were suspended. Even if he is a repeat offender, he escapes prison and will benefit from an adjustment. “The court has allocated responsibilities in this case,” rejoices his lawyer Maxime Serverian. The magistrates took into account the seriousness of the facts but also the personality of my client who was able to demonstrate his ability to reintegrate.”
Khaled, Rachid’s brother, remains in detention. He received five sentences, including 18 months suspended. Armel L., who had notably recovered the goods by posing as a security agent, was sentenced to 18 months, six of which were suspended on probation. A flexible sentence.
Two other people suspected of having passed on the gift vouchers got off with a suspended sentence. In any case, everyone will have to reimburse the seven civil parties.
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