Three men, including a pair of brothers, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a £1 million stolen machinery scam. Four additional individuals received suspended sentences following a lengthy investigation that uncovered a criminal gang laundering stolen plant equipment across the UK and Europe.
Between 2015 and 2018, a total of 46 high-value plant machines were stolen, mostly from the North West of England. The stolen machinery was taken to an industrial unit in Nelson, where the gang removed original identification marks and altered paperwork to conceal the theft. The machines were then repainted, re-registered, and sold across Europe, with some even reaching Australia. Buyers believed they were purchasing legitimate equipment, but the reality was very different.
The key figures in the stolen machinery syndicate include:
- Max Wynn – The ringleader who profited from VAT on every sale but failed to pay any tax. He admitted to conspiracy to handle stolen goods and money laundering.
- Karl Langley – A close associate of Wynn, involved with machines valued at around £50,000. He pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.
- Alex Grice – A trusted henchman who earned commissions for concealing machine identities. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
- Richard Wynn – Max Wynn’s brother, who transported stolen machinery and handled sales. He was found guilty after a trial in December 2022.
- Craig Douglas – Responsible for disguising at least one machine worth £80,000. He admitted to handling stolen goods.
- Gavin Mellor – Assisted in purchasing companies to legitimize the sales. He pleaded guilty to money laundering.
- Ian Mellor – Gavin Mellor’s father, who laundered cash through shell companies with little real business activity, funneling money back to Wynn.
One victim, who has been in the plant machinery trade for over 20 years, said: “I’ve been in the plant machinery trade over 20 years, built on trust and goodwill. Finding out I’d unwittingly bought stolen machines has tarnished my name. I’m worried about my business and how others see me now.”
PC Neil Goodison of Lancashire Police commented: “Our investigation linked this £1 million theft ring back to Max Wynn and his crew in Nelson. Their brazenness was staggering. They sold stolen machines to unsuspecting buyers locally and as far as Spain, Sweden, and Australia. These sentences show we take crimes against our communities seriously.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
