Man charged with fraud who has been unlawfully at large since August arrested by police in Belfast

A 30 year old man who has been unlawfully at large since August of this year was arrested by police in Queens Road, Belfast yesterday, Monday 30 October.

Ray Lee was charged with fraud offences in May 2021 and was on remand, pending Crown Court trial. He was granted compassionate bail to attend a funeral in Dublin in August, but failed to return as required to HMP Maghaberry, on Thursday 24 August.

The charges related to an investigation in 2021 into the targeting of older people in a series of frauds impersonating a police officer in order to convince the victims to hand over cash and jewellery. Over 40 victims reported losses to police to the value of over £200,000.

Lee will appear in court in Belfast this morning by virtue of a bench warrant.

A 59 year-old man was also arrested yesterday, Monday 30 October at the same Queens Road location, on suspicion of assisting offender. He has since been charged with this offence and is also scheduled to appear before Laganside Court today, 31 October.

As is normal procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.