World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Colombian theft gang member deported from UK during prison sentence
Armet Cortes was deported from the UK part-way through a 44-month prison term for his role in a theft gang.
The 55-year-old Colombian and another Colombian, Willmer Guzman, admitted conspiring to steal.
The gang stole more than £63,000 from 14 people across north-east England, Merseyside and London between August and April.
Many victims were elderly, disabled or alone, and the gang targeted people after they withdrew cash from banks or cashpoints.
In one case, thieves distracted a woman and stole £10,000 from her home after following her from a bank.
The thefts caused serious financial harm, including one victim delaying retirement and returning to work.
Guzman was deported earlier this year, while the Home Office said it would continue efforts to remove criminals from the UK.
Armet Cortes, a Colombian convicted of conspiracy to steal, was deported from the UK part-way through a 44-month prison sentence.
Cortes and another Colombian, Willmer Guzman, admitted stealing more than £63,000 from 14 victims.
The gang targeted vulnerable people, including elderly people, lone women and disabled people, after they withdrew cash.
The thefts took place across north-east England, Merseyside and London.
Home Office minister Anna Turley said the deportation sent a message to people committing crimes in the UK.
- Who
- Armet Cortes, a 55-year-old Colombian convicted of conspiracy to steal.
- What
- He was deported from the UK part-way through a 44-month prison sentence.
- When
- 4 November 2026, according to the article’s publication date.
- Where
- From the UK; the gang’s thefts took place across north-east England, Merseyside and London.
- Why
- Cortes was deported after being convicted of conspiracy to steal and targeting vulnerable people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cortes and Guzman admitted stealing more than £63,000.
Guzman was deported, according to the article.
Cortes was reported deported part-way through his 44-month prison sentence.
- Sentence
- 44 months
- Amount stolen
- More than £63,000
- Victims
- 14
- Locations
- North-east England, Merseyside and London
- Accomplice
- Willmer Guzman
What people are saying
This vile criminal targeted vulnerable citizens on our streets, not only stealing significant sums of money but also causing long-term fears and anxiety.
His deportation sends a clear message: anyone attempting to cash in on our hospitality will be given a one-way ticket out of the UK.