Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him throughout his life. Following a conviction for rape in 1991, his behavior spiraled into a series of cruel acts including domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate 2009 National Lottery scam.
The scam, orchestrated with the help of Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs, involved Putman using a counterfeit ticket to claim a £2.5 million prize, enabling him to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle complete with BMWs and extravagant vacations. The con remained undetected for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot with a £3 million fine in 2016 due to lax controls that allowed a tampered ticket to win.
Investigations into council documents and land registry records uncovered Putman’s spending spree post-lottery win, which included splurging £466,000 in cash on his partner’s property, transforming it into a collection site for decaying vehicles. Subsequent events saw his incarceration, the arson of his abandoned property, and his early release under prison population management strategies.
Despite authorities confirming Putman’s compliance with a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, the fate of over £1 million acquired from the scam remains uncertain. The lasting impact of Putman’s criminal activities on those in his circle is undeniable.