06 February 2024 , 15:17
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A fraudster who claimed he was a millionaire and scammed more than £300,000 from four women across the UK has been jailed.
Cieran McNamara, 37, started relationships with the victims, convincing them he was a successful businessman with a high value property portfolio across the UK. After convincing his victims they were in a loving relationship, he created a fake crisis and claimed he was having issues with his banking and needed to borrow money, which he said he would repay as soon as possible.
With the money from his victims he led a lavish lifestyle and travelled in first class on trains, planes and stay in 5* hotels. He also flooded the women with gifts, weekends away and expensive meals. However, the victims were unaware he was using money he had taken from other women to fund his lifestyle. He was finally caught out when a victim in Cheshire realised what he was doing and reported her concerns to police.
In total, between 1 September 2022 and 25 September 2023, McNamara - also known as Ciaran Griffin, Christian McNamara and Myles McNamara - managed to manipulate his four victims in Cheshire, Warwickshire and Hertfordshire to hand over £302,054.26. He was subsequently charged with four counts of fraud by false representation.
Cieran McNamara convinced victims he was rich, using wealth from other women (Cheshire Constabulary)
McNamara travelled in first class and stayed in 5* hotels (Cheshire Constabulary)Detective Constable Victoria Hazlewood, who led the investigation, said: “McNamara is a serial fraudster, and I truly believe he cannot tell the difference between reality and fantasy. During our investigation, we uncovered a web of lies with thousands of text messages which he sent to his victims in order to extort cash to fund his lavish lifestyle.
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“He convinced his victims he was a millionaire with properties across the country, but in reality, he was unemployed and living out of suitcase. McNamara identified ways he could control and manipulate his victims and throughout the investigation, he has shown no remorse for his actions.
"He truly believed he would never be caught by police and he would never be held accountable for his despicable behaviour. Thankfully, because of the courage and bravery of his victims, and the work of the team here in the Economic crime unit at Cheshire Constabulary, McNamara was left with no option other than to admit his guilt.”
Chester Crown Court heard how he met some victims online or at exclusive hotels and clubs, with the aim of praying on wealthy individuals to manipulate for his own gain. To help convince the women of his wealth, he showed them images of him at mansions in London and Cheshire to substantiate his account, as well as pictures of him travelling first class across the world.
Following his arrest, officers raided a lock-up rented by McNamara where they recovered approximately £19,500 worth of brand new goods – including a £1,900 Burberry Coat, a £400 Burberry Scarf, Dubarry boots, Gucci trainers and a Ping golf set. He previously pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and was today jailed for seven years.
DConst Hazlewood added: “Enquiries to locate other assets belonging to him remain ongoing and all the items recovered will be subject to a proceeds of crime hearing. While he is now behind bars, I have no doubt there are other victims across the country who have been treated in the same way and I would encourage them to come forward. If you believe you have been targeted by a Romance fraudster, or you believe somebody close to you has been targeted, then please contact Action Fraud so you can begin to get the necessary support and prevent other people from becoming victims.”
To contact Action Fraud visit or call 0300 123 2040.