Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him. Since being convicted of rape in 1991, he has been involved in a series of disturbing acts, including domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate 2009 National Lottery scam.
The scam, which saw Putman fraudulently claim £2.5 million using a fake ticket, was made possible through his unlikely alliance with Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs. Living a lavish lifestyle with luxury purchases like BMWs and extravagant vacations, Putman managed to evade detection for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot with a £3 million fine for inadequate controls that allowed a manipulated ticket to win.
Investigations into council records and property documents revealed Putman’s extravagant spending, including a substantial cash outlay of £466,000 on his partner’s residence, which he turned into a storage yard for deteriorating vehicles after his lottery windfall. Following his imprisonment, the property was abandoned and later set ablaze by arsonists.
Although Putman recently satisfied a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, the fate of over £1 million he profited from the scheme remains uncertain. Regardless, the impact of Putman’s criminal activities on those in his circle is undeniable.