31/10/2023

Man Unlawfully At Large Since August Arrested In Belfast

The PSNI have arrested Ray Lee in the Belfast on Monday, 30 October, after being unlawfully at large since August.

30-year-old Lee was charged with fraud offences in May 2021 and was on remand, pending Crown Court trial. He was granted compassionate bail to attend a funeral in Dublin in August, but failed to return as required to HMP Maghaberry, on Thursday 24 August.

The charges related to an investigation in 2021 into the targeting of older people in a series of frauds impersonating a police officer in order to convince the victims to hand over cash and jewellery. Over 40 victims reported losses to police to the value of over £200,000.

Lee appeared in court in Belfast this morning, 31 October, by virtue of a bench warrant.

A 59 year-old man was also arrested yesterday, Monday 30 October at the same Queens Road location, on suspicion of assisting an offender. He has since been charged with this offence and is also scheduled to appear before Laganside Court.

As is normal procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

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