News / Crime
Fraudster creates fake identity to steal £50,000 from heritage railway
A serial fraudster has scammed a heritage railway near Bristol out of tens of thousands of pounds.
Avon Valley Railway in Bitton is appealing for donations following the horrifying discovery that “a previously well-presented and respected employee” has helped himself to some £50,000 from the charity’s accounts.
Matthew Smith has been revealed to actually be an alias of Nathan Hudson, who is wanted by Humberside Police in connection with a range of fraud cases.
is needed now More than ever
41-year-old Nathan Hudson is wanted by Humberside Police in connection with a range of fraud cases including scam holiday homes and holidays, and not paying wages between 2015 and 2018 – photo: Humberside Police
Following the resignation of the man they knew as Matthew, staff and volunteers at the railway next to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path say they were “horrified to find what initially appeared to be a few financial irregularities… has unfortunately escalated”.
“We are now fully aware of the extremely serious activities involving this employee, which now look like deliberate acts of fraud against the railway.”
Hudson created fake profiles and fabricated supporting documentation “to maintain the illusion of his false identity” and “used his well-liked character to gain trust and build ‘friendships’ with staff and volunteers across the organisation”, some of who have also been financially impacted by his scams.
Railway bosses also say they “cannot be certain that during the time of his employment he did not have external assistance for his fraudulent activities”.
Avon Valley Railway chairman, Roger Eynon, said: “It’s been a difficult few months for all of us and we’re working hard to recover from Matthew Smith / Nathan Hudson’s actions.
“We’re launching our Bounce Back appeal to enable us to continue our vital restoration work this year and beyond so any money we receive is so massively appreciated at this time…
“The actions of this person have had a severe personal impact on the volunteers, staff and management of the railway, who trusted him and thought of him as a friend and valued colleague, making it a difficult and stressful time for all of us.
“We are working hard to recover from the situation and look forward to a more positive 2025 but we need your help.”
Main photo: Avon Valley Railway
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