This Is Guernsey

A Quick-thinking Batif bureau de change worker told yesterday how more than a decade of experience helped her spot forged money – leading to police discovering a former nurse’s plan to con a bank out of $45m.

Sarnia Help, retail manager at Batif, notified staff at Guernsey Post headquarters after discovering bank notes she had received from fraudster Vuyiswa Yoli were fake.

The nurse, who had gone to the post office to send funds by Moneygram, was arrested there.

Yoli, who worked at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital from July to her arrest at the end of November, was sentenced to eight months in prison for attempting to deceive Fidelity Bank PLC of Nigeria out of money.

The case initially began as a money laundering investigation after Yoli was taken in by a scam herself and agreed to be a ‘local correspondent’ for the bank.

She agreed to exchange $7,000 for sterling in return for a 5% commission – she did not know the notes were forged.

Mrs Help became suspicious of the notes because of how they felt and decided to check with one of Batif’s supplier’s.

‘There was just something about the notes,’ she said.

‘They did not feel right but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

‘Our supplier has access to a system that has all the numbers of notes in circulation, so I decided to check.

‘Once they said the notes were not genuine I contacted Envoy House [Guernsey Post’s head office].’

Yoli arrived at the post office while Mrs Help was on the phone to staff.

‘They delayed her until the police got there,’ she said.

Mrs Help said she had come across forged notes before, which helped her spot them.

‘It’s just experience really,’ she said.

‘I have been doing this for 11 years and learnt how to spot fake notes from the previous owner of Batif.

‘We have come across the odd note in the past but never anything on this scale.’

Gordon Steele, chief executive of Guernsey Post, which owns Batif, said he was proud of the way staff handled the situation.

‘It takes a degree of personal bravery to do what they did,’ he said.

‘I think it shows how Guernsey regulates itself and operates to the highest standard.

‘Guernsey is at the forefront of stopping money laundering and fraudulent transactions.

‘The staff did an excellent job.’

A Health and Social Services Department spokesman confirmed Yoli had been employed by them between 3 July and 30 November.

‘The reason for her arrest was entirely unconnected with her work, but the HSSD is naturally concerned when a former member of staff is convicted on a serious criminal matter,’ he said.‘I think it shows how Guernsey regulates itself and operates to the highest standard’

Guernsey Post chief executive Gordon Steele

Article posted on 23rd April, 2009 - 1.00pm