A convicted fraudster from Swindon has been jailed after stealing people’s identities and using forged documents to obtain thousands of pounds in loans to fund his gambling.
Daniel Robertson, 36, of Burbage Road, Penhill, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Swindon Crown Court today (Friday 23 October).
He had pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation, two counts of breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order, possession of articles for use in fraud and transferring criminal property.
Robertson had previously served a four-year prison sentence for his involvement in a substantial money laundering operation, before being released in 2021.
Following his release, he was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), which restricted his banking activities and required him to notify Wiltshire Police about new bank accounts or loan applications.
However, checks carried out by fraud investigators revealed he had opened or attempted to open seven current accounts without informing officers.
At one stage, Robertson held as many as eight current accounts, breaching the conditions of the order.
Investigators also discovered that, in September 2024, Robertson had attempted to use forged payslips to demonstrate a legitimate source of funds for a gambling account.
Despite having been unemployed since 2021, he submitted the documents to the gambling provider, which subsequently locked his account.
While police were investigating these offences, Great Western Credit Union reported further suspected fraud in April this year.
Between February and April, Robertson had submitted 13 fraudulent loan applications using stolen identities and falsified bank statements.
Six applications were successful, allowing him to withdraw approximately £23,000 into bank accounts belonging to himself and two associates. The two associates remain on police bail.
Following Robertson’s arrest, officers seized a USB device containing 120 fake identity documents relating to real people.
The files included forged bank statements, council tax bills and payslips, alongside photographs of bank cards and driving licences.
Robertson was subsequently charged with multiple offences and admitted his involvement.
As well as his prison sentence, he will be subject to a further five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order when released.
The order will restrict the number and types of digital devices, telephone numbers and bank accounts he can possess.
It will also impose restrictions on his gambling activities and require him to register with a gambling support service.
Investigating officer DC Rachael Fairbairn, from Wiltshire Police’s Fraud Team, said: “Robertson is a serial fraudster who has shown a continued commitment to criminal activity, repeatedly forging payslips and banking documents to fund a gambling habit.
“He has perpetually offended since being released from prison for a very similar offence, and I’d like to thank Great Western Credit Union for their swift support to identify his offending and prevent further fraud.
“Robertson’s offending isn’t victimless. There are real people who have had their identities stolen by Robertson and used for his offending.
“There are important steps you can take to protect yourself, such as shredding sensitive documents, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and regularly checking your credit report.”
