Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him. Following his conviction for rape in 1991, a series of troubling incidents including domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence culminated in his elaborate scheme involving the National Lottery fraud in 2009.
The elaborate plan was facilitated by an unlikely alliance between Putman and Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs. By using a counterfeit ticket, Putman managed to claim £2.5 million and proceeded to live luxuriously, splurging on high-end items such as BMWs and extravagant vacations. The scam remained undetected for seven years until 2016 when the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot with a £3 million fine due to inadequate controls that allowed a tampered ticket to win.
Investigations into council records and land registry documents revealed that Putman spent a substantial sum of £466,000 in cash post his lottery windfall on his partner’s residence, transforming it into a graveyard for deteriorating vehicles. Subsequently, following his incarceration, the property was left deserted and boarded up, eventually falling victim to arson.
Despite his early release from prison, Putman recently complied with a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, leaving the fate of the over £1 million he profited from the fraud uncertain. The enduring impact of Putman’s criminal activities on his associates remains undeniable.