Globe-Trotting Fraudster's In-Flight Spending-Spree

A globe-trotting Heathrow Airport taxi tout, who bought thousands of pounds worth of branded goods on international flights with dodgy bank cards, has been jailed for nine months.

Chanania Cohen, 59, of Albatross, Belvedere Strand, Colindale swindled British Airways out of watches, headphones, perfume and aftershave and other items during return flights to Moscow and Istanbul.

At Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to nine months imprisonment after being convicted of seven counts of fraud by false representation, namely using a payment card the was either counterfeit or had insufficient funds to purchase goods.

The charges relate to five round-trips to Moscow on November 26, 27; December 1 and 5, 2013 and on January 15, last year when he bought £5,543 worth of goods.

Additionally there were two more counts relating to a return trip to Istanbul on December 8, 2013, totalling £1143.

Cohen was also convicted of possessing articles in relation to fraud, namely six counterfeit bank cards at Heathrow Airport on January 15, last year.

He was also found guilty of possessing criminal property at the airport, namely fifteen boxes containing perfume and aftershave, plus two watches and Beats Headphones at his home address.

While on bail for the fraud Cohen was arrested for illegal taxi-touting at the airport on September 17, last year and having no insurance for his Mercedes Viano.