Fake GT200 bomb detector: Jail for UK businessman

GT200, a plastic box worth 5 pounds, sold for up to 15,000 pounds by UK conman who gets jail for 7 years.

SECURITY 

Businessman jailed for fake bomb detectors

AFP

August 21, 2013

LONDON (AFP) - A British conman who sold fake bomb detectors worldwide was jailed for seven years on Tuesday, with his judge branding the devices "useless".

The GT200s were home-made plastic boxes with handles and antennae -- but Gary Bolton claimed they could detect explosives, narcotics, tobacco, ivory and even cash.

Around 1,200 devices were sold to Mexico, and also sold to parts of Asia and the Middle East. The devices are still being used in Thailand, the court was told.

Bolton, 47, was convicted by a jury last month.

Sentencing him, judge Richard Hone said Bolton had claimed the "little plastic box" was a working piece of equipment, and that he continued to "peddle" the GT200 to scores of international clients -- including for use by armed forces.

The boxes cost less than £5 to make.

However, they were sold for between £2,500 and £10,000 in bulk or up to £15,000 if bought individually...

The court heard Bolton's company, Global Technology, had a turnover of almost £3 million, with up to 5,000 devices made.

"You have damaged the reputation of British trade abroad," said Hone.

"You gave spurious credibility to this product. You're a fraudulent person. You have no remorse."...

...Bolton claimed the GT200 worked with a range of 700 metres (2,295 feet) at ground level and as far as four kilometres (2.5 miles) in the air.

However, a defence expert from Britain's Home Office interior ministry said it had "no credibility as an explosive detector".

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/365566/briton-jailed-for-selling-fake-bomb-detectors