A life changing loss of £148k for one Epsom family
A criminal network that laundered a total of £331,223 stolen from victims has been sentenced following a major Trading Standards investigation.
Between February and September 2019, fraudsters operating across Surrey, Essex and London pressured victims into paying large sums for unnecessary or poorly executed building works.
Homeowners were misled with claims of urgent repairs and asked to pay deposits for cranes and scaffolding that were never required or provided.
In Epsom, two elderly siblings lost around £148k after being repeatedly pressured into paying for work to the outside of their house that didn’t need to be done. A life changing loss.
The investigation
Investigators uncovered a network of money launderers who facilitated the movement of criminal proceeds, with Lee Cross at the centre. Cross operated numerous business bank accounts under different trading names, including A-Z Repairs.
Evidence showed Cross was aware of the frauds and provided banking infrastructure to launder funds, moving money rapidly between accounts and withdrawing large amounts in cash.
The trial and sentencing
The network of money launderers was initially on trial from 22 September to 13 November 2025, which resulted in multiple guilty verdicts for money laundering. Lee Cross, 54 years old and originally from Romford, was at the centre of the organised network, and was also convicted of fraud.
In May 2026 at Guildford Crown Court the network received their sentences, which were as follows:
- Lee Cross – 8 years and 7 months
- Sorisa Richardson (45, Romford) – 12-month community order with rehabilitation activity requirement
- Zoe Hoskyn (40, Hornchurch) – 2 years suspended and 12-month rehabilitation order
- Jason Walker (35, Blackburn) – 2 years suspended and 180 hours unpaid work (25% credit for guilty plea)
- Pauline Walker (70, Romford) – 22 months suspended
The sentencing marks the culmination of a longstanding Trading Standards investigation, supported by the National Trading Standards Tri Regional Investigations Team and Essex Police.
Advice
Whilst justice has been served, the impact on victims goes far beyond money. Many are left feeling robbed of their confidence, independence, and peace of mind.
This case also shows the power of people speaking out. This case only happened because the victims bravely came forward. As Trading Standards officers continue working hard to stop these crimes, residents play a vital role in preventing them.
For advice on uninvited doorstep callers:
- Don’t deal with doorstep callers
- If you do talk, don’t agree to anything on the spot. If you do agree for work to be carried out, they are legally required to give you a written notice explaining you have the right to a 14 day cooling off period.
- Get quotes from at least two or three other companies before making a decision. Make sure everything is in writing.
- Do not pay cash on your doorstep nor large amounts up front for work.
Before employing anyone to carry out work, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading standards urge residents to follow more advice on their website that includes what to ask and look out for.
You can also read their advice on choosing a reputable trader.