Indian-origin director of UK scrap metal firm jailed over rail track thefts

A 40-year-old Indian-origin director of a scrap metal company was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in stealing train track rails from the UK’s Network Rail. The company of Indian-origin was the central hub for organising the collection and sale of the stolen rail tracks. Rails were stolen on at least 125 occasions and are said to be worth billions of pounds.

Jaspreet Oberoi, 40, was among seven men sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court for their involvement in the thefts of rail tracks. He was convicted of conspiracy to steal after a series of trials dating back to 2022. His company, JSJ Metal Recycling Ltd, profited from the stolen rails by selling them as scrap metal.

“These were significant conspiracies to steal rail. Collectively, they stole on 125 occasions from Network Rail, which is partly funded by UK taxpayers to the tune of billions of pounds,” said Stephane Pendered of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

“The defendants were motivated by greed and showed no regard for the essential rail services for passengers and businesses or the public safety risks caused by stealing trackside,” Pendered added.

DETAILS OF UK’S TRAIN TRACK RAIL THEFT

Between March and November 2016, Oberoi and his co-conspirators stole rail from Network Rail trackside and depot locations in the East of England.

The stolen rails were transported to JSJ Metal Recycling Ltd, where they were sold for profit.

Insiders with knowledge of rail locations provided information to the thieves.

Heavy goods vehicles, with the help of railway contractors, David Anginotti, who ran the company South Yorkshire Metals, were used to transport the stolen rail to Oberoi’s company.

The CPS noted that Oberoi’s company was the central hub for organising the collection and sale of the stolen rail tracks.

INVESTIGATION AND CONVICTIONS IN RAIL THEFT CASE

During the investigation, British Transport Police uncovered another conspiracy involving Network Rail Manager Ricky Collins.

Collins passed information about stockpiled rail locations to Oberoi through intermediaries. This additional conspiracy took place from May to November 2016, involving multiple locations including Kettering, Market Harborough, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, and Braybrooke.

Oberoi, Collins, and others were convicted after several trials. The sentences ranged from 12 months to 30 months in prison, with some sentences suspended for two years.

The CPS has begun proceedings to recover the stolen assets through its Proceeds of Crime Division.