James Heppel, a 44-year-old fraudster from Staverton, Wiltshire, has been ordered to repay over £140,000 following his involvement in a £5.7 million cryptocurrency scam. The confiscation order was issued after an extensive investigation into Heppel’s financial activities by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWRPOCU).
On June 6, Bristol Crown Court ruled that Heppel must repay the funds within three months. Failure to comply will result in an additional 18 months behind bars. Heppel, along with his accomplice Jake Lee from Charlcombe, Bath, were previously sentenced in May 2024 for orchestrating the high-profile scam.
The pair deceived victims across 26 countries, including 11 in the UK, by spoofing the Blockchain.com website to steal Bitcoin from unsuspecting users. Over 55 victims were affected by the operation, which targeted their cryptocurrency wallets through the fraudulent domain.
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Detective Sergeant Matt Brain of SWROCU’s Regional Cyber Crime Unit emphasized the role of financial investigators in the case: “Our team collaborates closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to trace criminals’ illicit earnings and ensure the maximum recovery of funds to compensate victims.”
Heidi Leaney, legal manager of the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, highlighted the impact of the scam: “This sophisticated fraud caused significant financial and emotional distress worldwide. Securing the confiscation order against Heppel ensures criminals won’t profit from their crimes and helps reimburse victims.”
Jake Lee received a four-year sentence and a confiscation order for nearly £1 million, money already used to compensate victims. Both men pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit fraud. The investigation began in 2018 after Lee’s arrest on suspicion of money laundering.
Notably, Lee voluntarily surrendered assets including £835,000 in cash—with £551,000 carried in a suitcase—along with £64,000 in cryptocurrency, a Banksy print valued at £60,000, and three vehicles to aid victim compensation.