Trading Standards doorstep crime investigation leads to prosecution for money laundering 

An investigation into doorstep frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners has resulted in multiple guilty verdicts for money laundering.  

Between February and September 2019, fraudsters operating across Surrey, Essex and London pressured victims into paying large sums for unnecessary or poorly executed building works. Homeowners were misled with claims of urgent repairs and asked to pay deposits for cranes and scaffolding that were never required or provided. 

Despite extensive efforts, the individuals carrying out the doorstep crimes could not be identified. However, investigators uncovered a network of money launderers who facilitated the movement of criminal proceeds. At the centre was Lee Cross, 54 years old, originally from Romford, who operated numerous business bank accounts under different trading names, including A-Z Repairs. Evidence showed Cross was aware of the frauds and provided banking infrastructure to launder funds, moving money rapidly between accounts and withdrawing large amounts in cash. 

On 13 November at Guildford Crown Court, Lee Cross and three other defendants were found guilty for their roles in laundering over £500,000 linked to doorstep frauds. 

The guilty verdicts comes after a victim was falsely told that “up and over” scaffolding was needed at a cost of £8,000. The victim received emails and calls from “Andy Dorson” of A-Z Repairs – a name linked to accounts controlled by Cross. Expert voice analysis and digital evidence confirmed that “Andy Dorson” was in fact Lee Cross. 

The prosecution relied on evidence from seven households defrauded of more than £500,000. The indictment contained 20 counts, including the one fraud count relating to the false scaffolding claim. 

Trial outcome 

The trial ran for 28 sitting days from 22 September to 13 November 2025. After several days of deliberation, the jury returned the following verdicts: 

• Lee Cross 54 years old, originally from Romford – Guilty on all major counts of money laundering and fraud. 

• Sorisa Richardson 45 years, from Romford – Guilty on one count. 

• Zoe Hoskyn 40 years, from Hornchurch – Guilty on five counts. 

• Pauline Walker 70 years, Romford – Guilty on four counts; not guilty on one. 

• Lewis Richardson 25 years, from Romford & Richard Griffiths 40 years, Romford – Not guilty on all counts. 

Jason Walker, 35 from Blackburn, originally charged, failed to attend the first hearing and is be dealt with separately. 

They will be sentenced in February. Lee Cross has been remanded in custody pending sentence. 

Kevin Deanus, Cabinet Member for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Resilience said: “Doorstep fraudsters target the most vulnerable in our communities. These prosecutions send a clear message, and we will continue to pursue those who profit from such crimes and protect residents from harm. 

“I’d like to thank the Trading Standards team involved with this investigation for their diligent work. This case demonstrates the strength of our investigation and partnership working, which lead this complex case to a successful prosecution.” 

For advice on uninvited doorstep callers:  

• Don’t feel obligated to talk to them at all. 

• If you do talk, don’t agree to anything on the spot. If you do agree for work to be carried out, they are legally required to give you a written notice explaining you have the right to a 14 day cooling off period. 

• Get quotes from other companies before making a decision. 

• Do not pay cash on your doorstep. 

Before employing anyone to carry out work, Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading standards urge residents to follow more advice on their website that includes what to ask and look out for. Please visit: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/consumer-advice/finding-a-trader/choosing-a-reputable-trader. To find out more about scams and how to keep yourself safe from them, please visit: Trading Standards – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)