A Wigan borough business owner has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of poultry.
On Tuesday, 27 January, Liam Dooney was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to two years and six months in prison after previously pleading guilty to handling stolen goods worth more than £500,000.
The 53-year-old, from Wigan, previously operated the food cold storage company, Wigan Storage Company Ltd, and has also been disqualified as a director for seven years.
Dooney’s conviction was secured following a multi-agency investigation by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), Food Standards Agency (FSA), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and Wigan Council.
Councillor Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: “This case is a great example of partners sharing intelligence and working together to secure a significant conviction.
“Not only did Dooney violate laws and ethical practices, he also undermined trust in legitimate companies and handled stolen goods worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“I’m pleased that the case resulted in a custodial sentence as it underlines a commitment to tackle businesses and individuals that engage in fraudulent or criminal activity, which will deter others from attempting similar practices.”
During the multi-agency investigation, it was discovered that fraudsters impersonated legitimate food businesses to secure deliveries from suppliers in the UK and overseas.
Evidence showed that details were cloned from the franchises of legitimate businesses such as McDonald’s in order to steal cargo – in this case, chicken and turkey.
In total, around 16.8 tonnes of stolen poultry was recovered, although this later had to be downgraded to pet food due to a loss in traceability through supply chains.
Andrew Quinn, Head of the NFCU, added: “We are pleased with this custodial sentence as it shows as there is no place in the food industry for any form of criminal activity.
“We work with partners, supporting industry to meet their responsibilities and minimise the risk of any food theft resulting in food fraud. This complex case investigation has included Greater Manchester Police, Wigan Council, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Food businesses should be vigilant to the risk of food fraud and safeguard against this, and alert to the potential of being offered stolen goods. Food businesses can help ensure they don’t become victims of theft by doing their due diligence with suppliers and customers.
“We’ve advised hundreds of businesses on how to increase their resilience to fraud so people can trust the food they buy is safe, and what it says it is.”
Theft should be reported to the police and if you suspect food fraud, report it to Food Crime Confidential (external link) or by phoning 0800 028 1180.
