A FRAUDSTER who pocketed thousands of pounds through a fake recruitment service has been jailed.
Ashton Kevin Fredrick Saunders, 37, was sentenced to 14 months in prison at York Crown Court on February 20 for money laundering, after running a scam that tricked jobseekers into paying for fake DBS and criminal record checks.
He will serve 40 per cent of the sentence in custody, with time already spent on remand counting towards that period.
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Saunders, previously of Chesham, moved nearly £18,000 through his accounts between November 2014 and February 2016 in a scheme exposed by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team.
He had fled to Thailand after failing to appear in court in February 2017, but was arrested in August 2025 after being deported and has been in custody since.
Dozens of victims paid between £70 and £100 for fraudulent DBS checks through a sham company, NJP Recruitment Ltd, which advertised non-existent job roles.
Victims submitted CVs, completed application forms and, in many cases, even took part in telephone interviews for roles that did not exist.
They were then told they had been successful and were required to pay for a DBS or criminal record check before starting work, before being directed to fake websites.
Judge Sean Morris, sentencing, said: “You are a cheat, liar, and fraudster, which will stick with you for the rest of your life.
“This was a wicked scam targeting vulnerable people desperate for work.”
Victims believed they had secured employment after submitting CVs, completing applications, and taking part in phone interviews.
They were then told they needed to pay for background checks before starting work — checks that cost up to £100 but should have cost as little as £21.50.
While a small number received DBS certificates, most received nothing.
One victim, unemployed for months, thought he had finally found work, only to find the job didn’t exist, and another relocated to Leeds and paid six months’ rent in advance for a fake role.
Lord Michael Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, said: “This was a cruel and calculated scam that preyed on unsuspecting job seekers.
“Many of the victims were simply trying to find honest work so they could support themselves and their families, yet they were met with lies, false promises and financial loss.
“The emotional impact on these individuals who had their hopes raised and then shattered cannot be overstated.
“We are pleased that justice has been served, and we hope this sentencing sends a clear message that exploiting people’s trust in this way will not be tolerated.”
The NTS eCrime Team – hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council – traced victim payments through a web of disguised accounts, including transfers to Thailand.
Councillor Jenny Kent, executive member at City of York Council, said: “Looking for a new job is a stressful time for many – especially those who are unemployed.
“To build up hopes, take money and then crush people’s expectations is cruel and unlawful.
“Thanks to our investigative team’s tenacity, this case shows that we will not let ecriminals exploit people at a vulnerable time.”
Suspected scams should be reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133.
