Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him. Following a conviction for rape in 1991, his life has been marked by a series of disturbing actions, including allegations of domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate 2009 National Lottery fraud scheme.
The elaborate scam was facilitated by Putman’s unlikely friendship with Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs. Through the use of a counterfeit lottery ticket, Putman managed to claim £2.5 million, allowing him to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle characterized by extravagant purchases such as BMWs and lavish vacations. The scheme went undetected for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot with a £3 million fine due to inadequate controls that enabled the fraudulent ticket to win.
Investigations into council records and land registry documents revealed that Putman spent £466,000 in cash from his lottery winnings on his partner’s property, transforming it into a collection point for deteriorating vehicles. Following his incarceration, the property was left abandoned and boarded up until arsonists set it ablaze. Recently, Putman settled a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, but the whereabouts of over £1 million from the scam remain undisclosed, underscoring the lasting impact of Putman’s criminal activities on those in his orbit.