Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him throughout his life. Since his conviction for rape in 1991, he has been involved in a series of disturbing acts, including domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate National Lottery fraud scheme in 2009.
The mastermind behind the scam was Putman, who formed an unlikely friendship with Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs. With a fake ticket, Putman managed to claim £2.5 million, leading a luxurious lifestyle with extravagant spending on items like BMWs and extravagant vacations. The deception went unnoticed for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized National Lottery operator Camelot with a £3 million fine due to inadequate controls that allowed a manipulated ticket to win.
Investigation into council records and land registry documents revealed that after his lottery windfall, Putman spent £466,000 in cash on his lover’s residence, transforming it into a storage yard for decaying vehicles. Subsequently, as Putman served his prison sentence, the property was left abandoned and later targeted by arsonists.
Despite his early release from prison due to crisis measures to reduce overcrowding, Putman recently complied with a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, but the whereabouts of over £1 million from his fraudulent activities remain uncertain. The impact of Putman’s criminal actions on those around him is undeniable and lasting.