Two men convicted of car purchase scam after sellers never received payment for vehicles

TWO men have been convicted over an online car buying scam in which they stole vehicles from unsuspecting victims without paying for them.

Thomas Roberts, 30, and Shane McDonagh, 25, both from the Staines area of ​​Wraysbury in England, were found guilty of seven counts of fraud and possession of criminal assets at Belfast Crown Court.

Roberts was also separately convicted of driving without insurance and McDonagh of possession of a Class C controlled drug.

The court heard that between February and October 2022 the couple ran an online scam in which they purchased seven vehicles from sellers in the Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh and Newry areas.

They would visit sellers and test drive the cars before agreeing on a price, which they would pay via an online banking app.

However, the application was fake and the sellers never received the disputed money when the vehicles were handed over.

“A thorough and detailed investigation has been launched after suspects fraudulently purchased seven vehicles through classified ads on a website,” PSNI Detective Sergeant Cargin said today.

“The seller was then contacted by the defendants and arrangements were made to meet in Northern Ireland.

“They then took the vehicle for a test drive and a price was agreed,” he explained.

“The defendant showed a fake banking application that appeared to display the agreed amount to be transferred.

“However, the money never arrived for the sale and contact was lost.”

He added: “Of the seven vehicles stolen in this way, three were later recovered, only one of which was in working order.”

The couple were arrested by police as they disembarked from the ferry from Birkenhead to Belfast on May 15 and were later charged.

Yesterday (July 3) they were sentenced to 40 months in prison for all offences and were ordered to spend 20 months in prison, with the remainder of their sentence on bail.

“These were very serious fraudulent offences and we, along with partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in illegal activities, including financial fraud,” Detective Constable Serg Cargin said.

“I encourage anyone with information that may assist us in our ongoing efforts to contact us on the non-emergency number 101 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via,” he added.