Scam family ordered to pay £1.6m

Matthew Hargreaves, 46, and his parents John, 71 and Jean, 72, from Knutsford, Cheshire, were subject to a three year investigation called Operation Gleam, which was led by Powys County Council's trading standards team after harmful products were found at the 2013 Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells

Back in 2016, they admitted fraud charges and the two men were jailed for 18 months, with Jean handed a suspended sentence.

Now they have been threatened with significant jail terms unless they back back a total of £1.6 million, following a proceeds of crime hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The court hearing on May 24 heard how the family owned a number of properties, having illegally made £2.5 million from the illegal products.

Matthew Hargreaves was ordered to pay back £1,096,500 within three months, or face a seven year jail term.

Jean Hargreaves was ordered to pay £519,940 back and John Hargreaves must pay back £995, and if they don't the pair will serve a five year jail term and three month jail term respectively.

The council's investigation, which cost £400,000, was commended by Judge Phillip Harris-Jenkins, and Clive Jones, the council's professional lead on trading standard said: "This is a huge deterrent to criminals to stop them committing serious offences – if you do continue – we will take all your assets.”

A test of products being sold at the 2013 Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells had found that they contained 11 per cent of hydrogen peroxide, which is 110 times the legal limit.

Powys' team worked with authorities around the country including the Regional Intelligence Analyst in Wales, Scambusters Wales, Dyfed Powys Police, and Greater Manchester Police.

It was found that the family had traded the items at 150 venues across the year over a ten year period.

Over 30 victims were identified during the investigation with one hospitalised and prescribed morphine as pain relief for some period of time after using the product.