Operation Seashell nabs seven

Welshpool police have smashed an internet fraud operation, with six local residents charged and a further one cautioned.

 

Operation Seashell was described by a senior officer as a “lengthy investigation” which saw victims across the UK and Ireland caught out by the Welshpool web gang.

 

Details of their fraud have not been released officially but it is believed they used the internet to sell bogus or false goods. The six have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and will appear before magistrates on May 1.

 

One woman has also been cautioned for the same offence and three others, two men and a woman have been released with no further action to be taken. The seven charged are aged between 22 and 33 and are said to be from the Welshpool area.

 

“This has been a protracted investigation, with victims identified all across Great Britain and Ireland,” said Detective Inspector Diane Davies. “We would encourage anyone buying goods via the internet to use a protected system such as paypal, which offers a degree of protection.”