A Colombian national, identified as Armet Cortes, has been deported from the United Kingdom after being partially through a 44-month prison sentence for a series of bank-related thefts. The Home Office confirmed the deportation, stating that Cortes targeted elderly and disabled individuals, often following them from cashpoints and bank counters to steal significant amounts of money.
Cortes, 55, and his accomplice Willmer Guzman, 63, admitted to conspiracy to steal, with the court hearing they had defrauded 14 victims of over £63,000 between August and April. Their methods involved distracting victims, such as by faking a fall or dropping coins, to snatch recently withdrawn cash. In one instance, a victim was followed home after withdrawing £10,000, and her cash was stolen after a gang member faked an injury.
Home Office minister Anna Turley stated that the deportation sends a clear message to those who exploit the UK's hospitality. "His deportation sends a clear message: anyone attempting to cash in on our hospitality will be given a one-way ticket out of the UK," Turley said. "We will continue to work across government to remove these bad actors."
Cortes and Guzman, both recorded as having no fixed address, were sentenced to 44 months each. Guzman was reportedly deported earlier this year. The thefts occurred across the North East of England, Merseyside, and London.