Following their success in Operation Copperfield Charlotte Baines (leading junior) and Rachel Scott (led junior) have been instructed by the Complex Case Unit at the CPS to prosecute 15 defendants charged with either conspiracy to defraud or acquiring criminal property.
Members of the conspiracy contacted individuals who had previously advertised in magazines claiming that there was a debt outstanding. They placed pressure on the victims through constant phone calls even on occasion pretending to be solicitors and county court recovery agents. One victim handed over £400,000 to the group.
The defendants have been split into two groups and the trials are due to take place next year.
Counsel are instructed in Operation Goodfella by the Caroline May from the Complex Casework Unit, Crown Prosecution Service.