Military clerks at counter-terrorism base 'stole almost £1m' and splashed it on 'Turkey beauty treatments'
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GB NEWS
Military clerks at a counter-terrorism base allegedly stole nearly £1million from the Ministry of Defence through fraudulent claims, Southwark Crown Court has heard.
Eight serving soldiers and a civilian accomplice are accused of exploiting a "catastrophic failure" in financial checks and balances to submit hundreds of bogus claims.
The funds, which were intended for flights, subsistence and operational allowances for troops on missions abroad, were instead spent on luxury items, hair transplants and teeth whitening procedures in Turkey.
The alleged fraud was carried out over a year-long period from Regent's Park Barracks in London.
The alleged fraud was carried out over a year-long period from Regent's Park Barracks in London
Corporal Aaron Stelmach-Purdie, 33, has been identified as the ringleader of the alleged scheme, using the stolen funds for plastic surgery procedures during multiple trips to Turkey.
When officers searched Stelmach-Purdie's home, Detective John Slater told jurors: "It was almost like something from Pimp My Ride."
The search revealed an extensive collection of luxury items, including nine pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes and a Louis Vuitton luggage set.
A Range Rover Overfinch was also found parked outside the property.
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Stelmach-Purdie, from Oldham, is among six defendants who have already admitted their roles in the fraud.
The unit where the alleged fraud took place has not been named due to its classified nature, with jurors hearing it was "very classified" and its personnel were "revered and respected" by other armed forces members.
According to MoD Police Detective John Slater, the fraudulent activity occurred between December 2014 and January 2016.
During this period, 221 fraudulent claims were submitted, totalling £911,608.
Six defendants have already admitted to their roles in the fraud
PA
The scheme exploited weaknesses in the Ministry of Defence's financial systems, with the accused using their positions within the counter-terrorism base to process false claims for operational expenses.
Among those who have admitted guilt is Alan O'Neil, 47, from Droitwich in Worcestershire, who served as Stelmach-Purdie's immediate superior.
Other confessions came from Movements clerk Anthony Sharwood, 38, Sgt Peter Wilson, 55, and soldier Lauren O'Brien, 37. All five have since left the forces.
A serving soldier, whose identity is protected, pleaded guilty to money laundering at the start of the trial last week.
Lance sergeant Lee Richards, 41, and Lance corporal Amy Sheldon, 37, are currently on trial, denying charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and transferring criminal property.
Simon Lees, 31, a civilian plumber from Oldham, denies laundering £270,000 through his bank accounts, claiming he believed Stelmach-Purdie earned the money working for MI5.
The trial continues.
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