A Colombian man involved in an organised gang that stole £7,000 from a woman after targeting her at a Hexham bank has been deported from the UK.
Armet Cortes was removed from the country after serving part of a three-year and eight-month prison sentence for conspiracy to steal. The 55-year-old was one of a travelling group that targeted vulnerable people withdrawing large amounts of cash from banks and building societies.
How the Hexham theft happened
The woman withdrew £7,000 in Hexham in August 2024. She was then distracted by a man who placed coins on the ground and asked whether they belonged to her. While her attention was diverted, the money was taken from her handbag, which was on the passenger seat of her car.
Police said the gang used discreet gestures inside financial institutions to identify people who had withdrawn large sums. Members would linger in banks and building societies before following or approaching selected victims.
Cortes and fellow gang member Willmer Guzman admitted conspiracy to steal after 14 victims lost more than £63,000. Similar distraction methods were used against victims elsewhere in the country, including one person who lost £15,000.
Prison sentence and deportation
Cortes and Guzman were each jailed for three years and eight months at Newcastle Crown Court in September 2025. The Home Office has now confirmed that Cortes has been deported after serving part of his sentence.
“This vile criminal targeted vulnerable citizens on our streets, not only stealing significant sums of money but also causing long-term fears and anxiety,”
Anna Turley, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, said the deportation demonstrated the government’s intention to remove foreign nationals convicted of serious offences.
“His deportation sends a clear message: anyone attempting to cash in on our hospitality will be given a one-way ticket out of the UK. We will continue to work across government to remove these bad actors.”
At sentencing, Judge Andrew Smith said the gang had deliberately chosen victims who were “unlikely to fight back or challenge” them.
The case highlights the distraction tactics used to steal cash from people shortly after they have made large withdrawals. The Hexham victim was among 14 people whose losses were linked to the gang.