Three individuals have been convicted of fraud and money laundering related to a Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) scam involving the false claim of supplying millions of nitrile gloves. The convictions were handed down at Leicester Crown Court.

Jogesh Bhandari, 59, from Loughborough, Leicestershire, along with his wife, Meenakashi Bhandari, 58, and Craig Morris, 43, of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, were found guilty of offences connected to a scheme where they purported to provide vast quantities of PPE during the pandemic. The National Crime Agency identified the case as part of its wider investigation into pandemic-related fraud.

Bank records revealed that the proceeds of the fraud were used to purchase a range of luxury goods and services. Among the expenditures attributed to the Bhandaris were high-end cars—including a £126,000 Porsche, an Audi A5, a Land Rover Discovery, and a VW Golf—alongside luxury watches such as Rolex models, jewellery, holiday packages, and home renovations including a kitchen refurbishment. Some of the funds were also used to settle a debt owed by Meenakashi Bhandari.

Craig Morris was reported to have anticipated regular payments of around £5,000 from Bhandari as part of their arrangement. However, the two fell out near the end of 2021, preceding their eventual prosecution.

The trio were convicted yesterday and are scheduled to be sentenced next month. The sentencing will determine the penalties following the court’s findings on their involvement in the fraudulent activities that exploited the urgent demand for medical supplies during the height of the coronavirus crisis.