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The fraudster (i.) before the verdict: Fraud, money laundering, theft - and a feigned illness
Photo: Scott Heppell / dpa
She sold trips that didn't exist or weren't financed: A false travel consultant has been sentenced to nine years in prison in England for fraud and money laundering in the millions.
The 39-year-old excluded more than 1,400 customers, the damage was around 1.6 million pounds (1.78 million euros), a court in the northern English city of Durham decided.
The woman also admitted to stealing £500,000 from her mother.
She had also led her family and customers to believe that she was seriously ill with cancer.
The 39-year-old had offered luxury trips at bargain prices, which, thanks to social media, found a wide audience.
However, numerous customers found that the holidays were either not paid for at all or only partially.
Some travelers had to pay for hotels or return flights while they were already abroad, the BBC reported.
Others were turned away at the airport because the ticket had been cancelled.
The judge said the scammer had "an extraordinary talent for dishonesty" and "mercilessly betrayed" the trust of friends and family.
The woman used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle while her mother struggled to pay bills.
'I think you're a thoroughly callous person.
As your house of cards began to crumble, your lies became more and more outlandish,' she said.
aeh/dpa