Criminal who exploited jobseekers in fake DBS scam sentenced

Today (20 February 2026) at York Crown Court, a man who ran a sham recruitment service that tricked jobseekers into paying for fake DBS and criminal record checks has been sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for laundering the proceeds of the scam. He will serve 40% of the sentence in custody, with time already spent on remand counting towards that period. This follows an investigation by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team.

Ashton Kevin Fredrick Saunders, 37, previously of Chesham, pleaded guilty to money laundering after moving nearly £18,000 of victims’ money through his bank accounts between November 2014 and February 2016. After failing to attend court on 1 February 2017 in relation to this offence and fleeing to Thailand, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was detained in August 2025 after being deported from Thailand and has been remanded in custody since.

Dozens of victims across the UK were deceived by Saunders into paying between £70 and £100 each, with thousands of pounds flowing through accounts linked to the scam and funds transferred overseas to Thailand. While some victims paid up to £100 for their tests, legitimate DBS checks are available for as little as £21.50. A small number of victims did receive DBS certificates, while many more did not.

To reel in his victims, Saunders operated a bogus recruitment company called NJP Recruitment Ltd, which posted adverts for non-existent jobs. Victims submitted CVs, completed application forms and, in many cases, even took part in telephone interviews for roles that did not exist. They were then told they had been successful and were required to pay for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or criminal record check before starting work. Victims were directed to websites and overpaid for these checks, but these sites were fake and operated by associates involved in the wider scam.

The operation took advantage of people who were often out of work. Saunders’ scam not only stole victims’ money but also cruelly took away jobs they believed they had secured. One man who had been unemployed for months genuinely thought he had finally found work, only to discover the role was fake after repeated excuses and delays. Another woman moved to Leeds from Shropshire after being offered a position. She paid six months’ rent in advance before being left without income when the promised job never materialised.

In passing Saunders’ sentence HHJ Morris stated, “You are a cheat, liar and fraudster, which will stick with you for the rest of your life.” Describing the sham recruitment service HHJ Morris said, “This was a wicked scam targeting vulnerable people desperate for work”.

The National Trading Standards eCrime Team – hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council – analysed multiple bank accounts, seized evidence from an associate’s home and traced victim payments through a network of accounts designed to disguise the proceeds, including transfers to Bangkok Bank.

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:
“This was a cruel and calculated scam that preyed on unsuspecting jobseekers. Many of the victims were simply trying to find honest work so they could support themselves and their families, yet they were met with lies, false promises and financial loss. The emotional impact on these individuals who had their hopes raised and then shattered cannot be overstated. We are pleased that justice has been served, and we hope this sentencing sends a clear message that exploiting people’s trust in this way will not be tolerated.”

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member at City of York Council, said: “Looking for a new job is a stressful time for many – especially those who are unemployed. To build up hopes, take money and then crush people’s expectations is cruel and unlawful. Thanks to our investigative team’s tenacity, this case shows that we will not let ecriminals exploit people at a vulnerable time.”

Those who suspect they or someone they know may have been scammed should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133.