Assets seized of woman who conned �1m from London auctioneers
A WOMAN jailed for six years for defrauding auction houses and high value retailers out of nearly �1 million in jewels, antiques and luxury goods has had her assets confiscated by a court. Shahra Marsh, who lived the high life, has been spending the last two years behind bars
A WOMAN jailed for six years for defrauding auction houses and high value retailers out of nearly �1 million in jewels, antiques and luxury goods has had her assets confiscated by a court.
Shahra Marsh, who lived the high life in London’s Canary Wharf then later in the West End, has been spending the last two years behind bars.
The 53-year-old fraudster was brought back to court on Friday for a confiscation hearing to formally have her assets seized, the ill-gotten gains from her life of deception.
Scotland Yard’s Economic and Specialist Crime Command is now returning �500,000 of jewellery and furniture to the rightful owners. The remaining assets worth �400,000 are being sold to meet the confiscation order.
She had admitted 38 charges including fraud, deception and concealment when she appeared at Southwark Crown Court two years ago.
“Shahra Marsh was an extremely dishonest individual,” said Det Con Marek Coghill. “She was able to deceive and manipulate people’s trust. The confiscation of these assets and �8,000 cash is a great result.”
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Marsh impersonated someone of extreme wealth, writing cheques she knew would bounce when buying the goods from high end’ auctioneers during her three year scam.
She presented herself as a well-dressed, educated and articulate woman, a fa�ade leading people to believe she had the wealth to buy expensive items.
Most of the goods obtained have been returned. These include a �110,000 diamond ring from Guy Ellia, �51,000 Hermes clock from Gros & Delettrez, �27,000 watch and ring from Leon Hatot, �24,000 earrings from De Grisogono, �23,000 pearl necklace and earrings from Mellerio dits Meller and �12,000 jade and diamond pendent from Christie’s. The haul also included several paintings worth �68,000.
