Crook admits role in massive internet frauds

A 66-YEAR-old Costa Del Crime con man is likely to face a long prison term over multi-million pound internet escort agency and debt elimination frauds.

The scams were uncovered by Suffolk trading standards officers and the county’s police during a lengthy investigation.

Crooked Antoni Muldoon has admitted being involved in frauds said to be valued at �5.7million, which are alleged to have duped around 14,000 victims in the UK.

Muldoon, who was extradited from Spain earlier this year, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud when he appeared before Ipswich Crown Court for his plea and case management hearing.

One of the charges relates to the period between July 1, 2007 and June 15, 2010, while the second relates to the period between August 1, 2008, and November 30, 2010.

Muldoon also faced money laundering charges relating to the frauds. However, no pleas were entered to these, and prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg said the charges will lay on file.

Muldoon was remanded in custody. He will be sentenced at a date to be determined.

Muldoon has been a notorious figure in Spain for a number of years.

In May this year Muldoon was detained in Spain at a hotel in Fuengirola under a European Arrest Warrant sought by Suffolk County Council’s trading standards officers.

Extradition was granted and he was brought back to England in June.

Muldoon is said to have enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in Spain, where he had been living for around 27 years. He had a mansion in Benalmadena and at least two yachts.