Salesman jailed for £3 million scam against University of Edinburgh

Aasim Johar has lost an appeal against his seven-year jail sentence after being found guilty for his involvement in a multi-million fraudulent scheme.

He colluded with the former assistant director of estates and buildings at Edinburgh University, Geoff Turnbull, for more than a decade to fraudulently obtain goods, hospitality, vouchers, and money.

The scheme lasted from June 2005 until November 2015, and defrauded the university  to the value of £3,338,943, with a further attempt to obtain £136,478, reports STV.

During this period, Turnbull ordered and paid for goods even though they were not required and, on some occasions, were not delivered. In return, Johar received an eight per cent commission on escalating sales with the university.

Turnbull, now deceased, formerly of North Berwick, received gifts, vouchers and hospitality for his role in the scheme.

Prosecutor Erin Campbell told the High Court in Edinburgh that the pair had taken part in a procurement fraud with Turnbull ordering increasing amounts of cleaning products and other items from Kent-based Universal Solutions (International).

She said: “The evidence suggests many of the goods were never delivered and those that were were not required by the university.”

The advocate depute said Turnbull and Johar were “lining their own pockets” under the pretense of a legitimate business relationship.

Johar, formerly of Buckinghamshire, had denied the offence but was found guilty of the crime following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Following his conviction and sentence lawyers acting for Johar appealed against the jail term, noting that he was a first offender and was at a low risk of reoffending.

Defence counsel Shelagh McCall KC told the Court of Criminal Appeal that the planning and setting up of the fraudulent scheme was “not at the hands of the appellant” and he was not the principal beneficiary.

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However, Lord Beckett, who heard the appeal with Lord Matthews, said: “The sentence imposed was not excessive.

“There has been no miscarriage of justice and the appeal is refused.”