Thames Valley Police investigator recognised for helping fraud victims

Barry Winslade was commended for his work on the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit's Asset Recovery Team

A financial investigator who helps victims of fraud and theft get their money back has been recognised for his work.

Barry Winslade, who works with Thames Valley Police, was given a commendation by chief constable Jason Hogg at the force's base in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

In two separate cases, fraudsters stole money from vulnerable people and gambled it away, mainly online.

One victim said they would "always be so grateful" for his help.

In a case the force called "particularly disturbing", an offender approached their family members and friends, requesting money to secure investment opportunities.

Officers identified 15 victims and the total loss over six years was almost £1,000,000 - although some of the money was repaid.

The fraudster, who was married and had three children, was in financial difficulty and had a gambling addiction.

They had spent more than £930,000 with 12 different companies, losing over £670,000.

Mr Winslade helped recoup more than £250,000 from betting companies by persuading them to pay back divestment payments.

Another case involved a married couple who defrauded the wife's father, who was in a care home, of more than £143,000 - and gambled most of it away.

The couple gambled more than £200,000 with 10 different companies, and lost almost £115,000.

Police discovered the fraud after the father's care home fees started going unpaid.

The victim died before he got any money back - but was aware police had secured some of it.

The thieves had little or no available assets to fully compensate the victims through the normal process.

However, Mr Winslade convinced the Gambling Commission and betting firms that they had potentially failed in their due diligence and allowed the gambling to continue without being monitored or checked.

Mr Winslade, who has been a financial investigator with Thames Valley Police since 2009, invited the gambling sites to review their working practices.

One victim said: "I have been plodding along making the best of things but what you have done for me will make such a difference.

"When I received your email to say that you had secured compensation from the gambling companies, I must admit I was very much emotional and overwhelmed," they added.

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