Full Breakdown
PPE Fraudster Sentenced to Eight Years for Covid-Era Scam
By Drooid · · How we work
The Sentencing of a Covid-Era PPE Fraudster
In July, Leicester Crown Court convicted Jogesh Bhandari, 60, of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and of concealing and transferring criminal property. He was later sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Northampton Crown Court on a Friday. Judge William Harbage KC described Bhandari as the “driving force” and “directing mind” of the sham enterprise, noting that his expressed remorse was “difficult to accept” given his vigorous contest of the charges.
How the Scam Operated
Between late 2020 and early 2022, Bhandari claimed he could supply millions of boxes of nitrile gloves to buyers in the United States and Germany. Using the company name Banton, he and an associate secured payments from multiple firms while providing no genuine product. The fraud generated millions of pounds, which were diverted to personal luxury purchases.
Key Participants and Their Roles
- Jogesh Bhandari – alleged mastermind, directed the fraudulent deals through Banton.
- Craig Morris – co-conspirator who assisted with the sham transactions; sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment on 7 October.
- Meenakashi Bhandari – former pharmacist and wife of Jogesh; found guilty of concealing and transferring criminal property, receiving a two-year suspended sentence, 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity on 7 October.
Court Findings and Penalties
The court detailed that Bhandari spent £126,000 on a Porsche and also purchased an Audi A5, a Land Rover Discovery and assorted jewellery with the illicit proceeds. Judge Harbage emphasized that Bhandari’s role was central to the scheme and that the sentencing reflected the scale of the deception.
Broader Implications
The case underscores heightened scrutiny of Covid-19-related procurement fraud and illustrates how courts are imposing substantial custodial terms for large-scale deception that exploited pandemic-driven demand for personal protective equipment.