Key Points
- Two brothers from Redbridge sentenced to over four years in prison for fraud and money laundering.
- The £174,000 fraud targeted vulnerable elderly homeowners through unnecessary and overpriced building work.
- The investigation was led by Redbridge Council’s Trading Standards Team with support from National Trading Standards.
- Sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 14 October 2025.
- Additional court orders include rehabilitation activity and unpaid work requirements.
- The council continues Proceeds of Crime Act actions to recover stolen funds.
- Public urged to verify credentials and seek written quotes before agreeing to home repairs.
What Did the Redbridge Council Investigation Find?
According to the official Redbridge Council news release dated 15 October 2025, two brothers, Austin and William Euesden, were found guilty in a sophisticated fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded elderly homeowners of at least £174,000. The scam involved charging vulnerable residents exorbitant amounts for unnecessary, poor-quality, or unverifiable home repairs between 2019 and 2021.
An example highlighted was a Goodmayes resident who was convinced by men claiming to represent “Austin & Son Roofing and Building Limited” to pay £1,800 for chimney and roof repairs that were largely inadequate or superficial. This case exemplifies the methods used to exploit trust and extract large sums from victims.
Who Were the Perpetrators and What Sentence Did They Receive?
The two brothers, Austin and William Euesden, were sentenced to over four years imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 14 October 2025. Austin pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading, while William admitted to money laundering offences. A third accomplice, William Eastwood, had already been sentenced in December 2023 for related crimes.
Beyond incarceration, the court imposed additional penalties including a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of up to 10 days and 240 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. The council is actively pursuing forfeiture of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to recover defrauded funds.
How Did Redbridge Council and National Trading Standards Respond?
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said that the case
“demonstrates the devastating impact that calculated fraud can have on some of the most vulnerable members of our community,”
and praised the Trading Standards Team for their thorough investigation ensuring accountability.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, condemned the targeting of elderly homeowners and praised the collaborative effort to bring the offenders to justice. He emphasised that such exploitation “will never be tolerated.”
What Advice Is Being Given to Protect Homeowners?
The council and National Trading Standards advise residents always to:
- Obtain written quotes before agreeing to any home repair work.
- Verify the credentials of companies or individuals offering services.
- Seek second opinions to confirm the necessity and cost-effectiveness of repairs.
Residents suspecting fraudulent activity are urged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, Trading Standards, or the police. Initial contact with Trading Standards should be through Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
What Are the Broader Implications for Community Safety and Governance?
This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly homeowners to fraudulent schemes and reinforces the importance of vigilance and consumer protection. Redbridge Council’s proactive investigation and the continued enforcement of legal action on proceeds of crime reflect their commitment to safeguarding residents and public funds.
The successful collaboration between local council enforcement and national agencies sets precedent for tackling similar frauds elsewhere, serving as a deterrent to would-be offenders and reassurance to the community.
