TL;DR: STV reported on October 14, 2026 that prosecutors are seeking £197,018.47 from Andrew Polson, a former East Dunbartonshire Council leader jailed for 22 months in November 2025 for defrauding his 72-year-old partner of £188,000 through a fake property plan. The case shows romance fraud is not always online.
What happened
Police Scotland says Polson was found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court on October 22, 2025 of defrauding a woman of £188,000 after convincing her to give him money to invest in property with him. He was sentenced on November 19, 2025 to 22 months. He was also convicted of embezzling £9,018.47 from the charity radio station Revival FM, and STV News reports that his appeal was refused in July.
How the fraud worked
According to STV, between May 2021 and March 2022 Polson persuaded his partner, then 72, that they would own homes together, refurbish them and sell or rent them out. Instead he:
- put only his own name on the title deeds of two properties, without telling her;
- spent money she moved into company accounts for repairs on trips and a family birthday party;
- used their bank card for a casino outing.
The confiscation hearing
The Crown is seeking £197,018.47, described as the minimum benefit from his conduct. His defence told the court an expert has been instructed to verify the figures, and the case was adjourned until December.
Romance fraud without a fake profile
Most coverage focuses on strangers on dating apps, but this victim knew her partner in person, and he was a well-known public figure. The pattern is the same as online cases: a shared future, a joint “investment” and paperwork the victim never sees. Compare it with the £180,000 fake inheritance case and our guide to romance scam red flags.
Warning signs
- A partner who wants your money in a joint property or business but keeps the paperwork in their own name.
- Money for “repairs” or “the business” that never shows up in anything you can check.
- Reluctance to involve a solicitor you choose yourself.
- Check land registry records directly; in Scotland that is Registers of Scotland.
If it is happening to you or a parent
In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. Elsewhere in the UK, use Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and call your bank on 159. Our guides on reporting fraud in the UK and bank reimbursement rules explain the next steps. Many fraudsters start with details already leaked online, so run our free digital footprint check too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Andrew Polson take?
He was convicted of defrauding his partner of £188,000. Prosecutors now seek £197,018.47 in confiscation, including the £9,018.47 embezzled from Revival FM.
What sentence did he get?
22 months, imposed at Glasgow Sheriff Court on November 19, 2025. His appeal was refused in July 2026.
Can romance fraud happen with someone you know in person?
Yes. This victim knew her partner in person. The tactics, a shared future and a joint investment, are the same as in online cases.
Where do I report romance fraud in Scotland?
Call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency, and contact your bank straight away.
Sources
- STV News: Ex-Tory council leader Andrew Polson jailed for romance scam ordered to repay £197,000 (Oct 14, 2026)
- Police Scotland: Man sentenced for romance fraud and embezzlement in Glasgow (Nov 2025)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)