Who is Jeevan Bathula? Fraudster Jailed for £50,000 Elderly Call Centre Scam

Fraudster Jeevan Bathula was jailed for his role in a nationwide call centre scam that stole more than £50,000 from elderly victims. The 28-year-old, who lived in Durham, was also given a deportation order, meaning he will be permanently removed from the UK once he completes his sentence.

How Jeevan Bathula Tricked Elderly Victims

Bathula was part of a criminal operation that targeted elderly and vulnerable people across the country. Scammers working in overseas call centres phoned victims while pretending to be staff from their bank’s fraud team.

Victims were told their savings were at risk and were persuaded to withdraw large sums of cash. They were then instructed to send the money directly to Bathula’s address in Durham. Once the money arrived, Bathula counted it, laundered it through transfers, and even filmed himself posing with bundles of cash while giving a thumbs up.

One victim, who spoke out after the case, said: “I was so stressed. I felt so stupid as to what I’d done. I didn’t think I was such a person to be that gullible, it has taught me a lesson and deeply affected me.”

Police Investigation and Arrest

Police began tracking the fraud after a tip-off from the City of London Police led to a suspicious parcel being intercepted at a Royal Mail depot.

On March 12, 2025, officers raided Bathula’s home in Durham. They found:

• £16,790 in cash hidden inside the property.

• More than £13,000 in his bank account.

• Letters from vulnerable victims.

• Packaging from earlier scams.

• Multiple videos on his phone showing him counting cash.

Bathula was charged with concealing and converting criminal property and later pleaded guilty.

Court Verdict and Deportation

At Durham Crown Court, Bathula was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The judge also issued a deportation order, confirming that once released, Bathula will be permanently banned from returning to the UK.

Detective Sergeant James Woodcock from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) said the conviction sends a strong warning: “Without cash couriers, this fraud type would struggle to operate. Anyone involved in collecting or moving money for scams is just as guilty. Today’s result proves you will be caught and punished.”

Public Warning About Courier Fraud

Police have urged families to warn elderly relatives about Courier Fraud, which remains a growing national issue. Scammers often pretend to be from a trusted institution such as a bank or the police.

Authorities have issued this advice:

• No bank or police officer will ever ask you to withdraw cash or transfer money.

• If you get a suspicious call, hang up immediately.

• Wait a few minutes before calling back your bank’s official fraud helpline on 159.

• Report suspected fraud through Action Fraud or local police.