Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him throughout his life. Following a conviction for rape in 1991, his actions spiraled into a pattern of cruelty, including allegations of domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate 2009 National Lottery fraud scheme.
The scam, orchestrated in collaboration with Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs, involved Putman using a counterfeit ticket to claim a substantial £2.5 million prize. He proceeded to live extravagantly, splurging on BMWs and luxurious vacations, all funded by his ill-gotten gains. The deception remained undetected for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot with a £3 million fine for inadequate controls that allowed a tampered ticket to win.
Investigations into council records and property documents unveiled Putman’s post-lottery spending spree, which included lavishing £466,000 in cash on his partner’s residence, transforming it into a cluttered haven for deteriorating vehicles. As he served his prison sentence, the house, now abandoned and boarded up, fell victim to arsonists.
Despite his early release under crisis measures to alleviate prison overcrowding, Putman recently satisfied a court order under the Proceeds of Crime Act, although the whereabouts of over £1 million from his fraudulent activities remain shrouded in mystery. The enduring impact of Putman’s criminal exploits on those in his circle is undeniable.
