A man who tried to scam thousands of pounds using stolen data while studying at Lancaster University has been sent to prison.
Sibtain Hussain, 32, of Crow Tree Lane, Bradford, targeted international applicants to UK universities demanding payments for proof of ‘financial capability’, ‘student services’, and ‘accommodation deposits’.
He created multiple phone numbers, email addresses, aliases and bank accounts to facilitate the scheme in a bid to avoid detection.
In 2018 unauthorised access was gained to Lancaster University’s internal computer system and applicant data was stolen.
Hussain, who began studying at the university in 2017, gained access to the stolen data and used it to perpetrate the fraud.
He used the information to persistently target over 200 individuals by phone and email demanding sums up to £3,200.
More than £48,000 was sent by 23 students as a result of Hussain’s efforts, but a large majority of payments were blocked by banks.
The fraud had the potential to generate more than £493,000 in illegal profits.
Lancaster University reported the data breach to the National Crime Agency in July 2019 after receiving reports that applicants had been targeted. The NCA subsequently launched an investigation with the university’s ongoing assistance.
Officers identified and spoke to several of the targeted applicants including those who had made payments. They went on to identify multiple links between Hussain and various accounts associated with the fraud.
Hussain was arrested in July 2019 in Bradford. Two mobile phones and a wallet were seized which contained evidence linking him to the crimes.
He initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property.
He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to four and a half years for fraud and 12 months for money laundering.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
