A criminal described as "vile" by a government official, who preyed on vulnerable bank customers to steal large sums of cash, has been deported from the UK.
The Home Office removed Armet Cortes from the country part-way through a 44-month prison sentence. Cortes and his accomplice, Willmer Guzman, had admitted to stealing over £63,000.
Cortes, 55, and his associates targeted individuals such as lone women and disabled people. In one instance, the gang followed a woman who had withdrawn £10,000 from a bank. They waited until she boarded a bus, then one member of the group faked a fall and injury. While the victim was distracted assisting the individual, the gang entered her property and stole the cash.
Another victim lost £15,000, and a third was forced to delay their retirement and return to work due to the financial impact of the thefts. The court heard that between August and April, Cortes and Guzman were part of a gang that operated across the North East of England, Merseyside, and London, stealing from 14 victims.
Home Office minister Anna Turley stated, "This vile criminal targeted vulnerable citizens on our streets, not only stealing significant sums of money but also causing long-term fears and anxiety. 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."
Newcastle Crown Court was informed that the gang used "silent, skilled and subtle" methods to communicate after identifying a target. Victims were often distracted by thieves dropping coins or asking questions before their freshly withdrawn money was taken.
Guzman was reportedly deported earlier this year. Both men, who had no fixed address, admitted conspiracy to steal and faced 44 months in prison.