Security Boss Convicted for Deploying Staff with Cloned Licenses
UK News and Communications, 2024-12-06 09:57
London, UK – A security company boss has been convicted of deploying staff with cloned security licenses in a bid to fill vacancies and increase profits.
Peter Johnson, 52, the owner of London-based security firm Vigilance Security, was found guilty of three counts of fraud and one count of forgery.
The court heard that Johnson had cloned the licenses of qualified security guards and assigned them to untrained and inexperienced staff to meet client contracts.
The fraud was uncovered when a client, a major retail chain, raised concerns about the competence of the security personnel deployed at their stores.
An investigation by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) revealed that Johnson had been using cloned licenses for over two years, allowing him to undercut competitors and secure contracts that he would not have otherwise won.
In total, Johnson was found to have deployed over 50 security guards with cloned licenses.
The court also heard that Johnson had forged signatures and altered documents to conceal his fraudulent activities.
Detective Inspector Mark Jones, of the SIA, said: “This case is a serious breach of trust by a security industry professional who put the safety of the public at risk.”
“Johnson’s actions are a disgrace to the security industry and undermine public confidence.”
Johnson was sentenced to two years in prison and banned from working in the security industry for 10 years.
The SIA has urged all security companies to review their recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure that only qualified and licensed staff are deployed.
Background
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a government agency responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK.
SIA licenses are required for all individuals who work in the security industry, including security guards, door supervisors, and private investigators.
Cloned licenses are illegal and pose a significant risk to public safety. They can be used by individuals who are not qualified or experienced to work in the security industry.
This case highlights the importance of using SIA-approved security companies and verifying the credentials of security staff.
Security boss convicted for deploying staff with cloned licences
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