A woman who conned a wealthy man of £2.5m and used his money to pay for her extravagant lifestyle has been jailed for more than five years.
Louise Anne Caplan, aged 34, of White Hart Close, Chalfont St Giles, was sentenced to five years three months’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday October 8.
Caplan met the victim online in October 2017 and they arranged to meet.
The man paid several hundred pounds for Caplan’s sexual services. They then agreed on a monthly financial agreement for several thousand pounds to see each other.
Between October 2017 and November 2018, Caplan, portrayed herself as a successful businesswoman who employed several staff, but she had no legal employment and was receiving benefits.
Caplan told the victim on several occasions that she had invested money into projects across the world, which the victim, who had become attached to Caplan, also agreed to invest in.
However, Caplan spent that money, £2.5m on expensive holidays, in designer stores, on a deposit for an Aston Martin and a £1m house.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ross Fleming, of Economic Crime Unit said: “I would first like to take this opportunity to thank the victim and their family for the dignity, patience and brutal honesty in their dealings with this prosecution.
“That honesty is in stark contrast to the offender, who has never shown a shred of remorse for the victim, a man who she showered with loving messages and plans for their future, continually manipulating his emotional need for her and exploiting his high functioning autism.
“The offender knew the victim was wealthier than many. However, she continued pressurising the victim for more money, fully aware he was taking out loans to deal with her financial demands. Her extravagant spending highlights not a crime out of necessity or need, but simple greed.
“I would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the clever tactics used by romance fraudsters, which will help empower our knowledge as a community.
“To anyone affected by romance fraud please understand that this is not your fault. If it has not been reported already, then please report the incident to Action Fraud either online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
“Finally, I would like to remind everyone that as a community we do have the power to eliminate the blame, shame and restore hope for anyone who has experienced this horrific type of crime.
“I would also like to remind anyone in this position that further emotional help and support is available.”
Victims First is available for Thames Valley Police residents in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Oxfordshire).
Picture credit Instagram
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