‘Muck spreaders’ – Victor Gonzalez, Moises Leon and Omar Vargas-Barreraare – are jailed for stealing from bank customers

Published: 18 February 2010
by DAVID ST GEORGE

THE leader of a gang dubbed “the muck spreaders” has been jailed for three years at the Old Bailey.

Chilean national Victor Gonzalez, 53, took thousands from bank customers “in organised and sophisticated” distraction thefts.

The gang, which included women, targeted victims withdrawing large sums. 

They were “relieved” of the envelopes containing the notes after a “foul-smelling” liquid was squirted on their clothes with a water pistol.

Gonzalez, of Gaisford Street, Kentish Town, a father of 15 children, was caught when police observed him at a bank in the City in November.

He admitted six theft offences and carrying articles for use in theft, including bank envelopes, a squirting device and tissues.

From June to October last year, Gonzalez struck outside banks in London, Basildon, Canterbury and Guildford, escaping  with £46,000. Some victims “felt something” on their heads or clothing. 

The crooks pretended to come to their aid with wipes, while swiftly switching envelopes from their jackets.

Judge Michael Grieve QC recommended deportation for Gonzalez, who has a previous conviction for robbery.

Two accomplices, Frenchman Moises Leon, 26, and Omar Vargas-Barrera, 28, a fellow Chilean, each got six months.

The Judge told Gonzalez: “You came to this country in order to raise money by crime.”