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04/04/2005
Colombian 'gentleman thief' jailed
A Colombian con man, who stole thousands of pounds of jewellery and cash from some top hotels, has been jailed.
Juan Carlos Guzman-Betancourt, 29, stole jewellery and cash worth around £150,00 over a period of six years.
He was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Southwark Crown Court today.
The con artist, who used at least ten different aliases, was an expert in foreign languages who reportedly modelled himself on gentleman jewel thief Raffles and American conman Frank Abagnale Jr, who was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the hit movie, 'Catch Me If You Can'.
Mr Guzman-Betancourt reportedly fooled staff into believing he was a guest to gain access to hotel rooms.
Mr Guzman-Betancourt had earlier pleaded guilty to burgling two top London hotels – the Mandarin Oriental and the Dorchester – and had also asked for several other offences, including the possession of forged passports to be taken into consideration.
It has been reported that Mr Guzman-Betancourt is wanted in Las Vegas. Investigations into his activities in countries including Russia, Canada, Thailand and Japan are also taking place, according to reports.
(KMcA/SP)
Juan Carlos Guzman-Betancourt, 29, stole jewellery and cash worth around £150,00 over a period of six years.
He was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Southwark Crown Court today.
The con artist, who used at least ten different aliases, was an expert in foreign languages who reportedly modelled himself on gentleman jewel thief Raffles and American conman Frank Abagnale Jr, who was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the hit movie, 'Catch Me If You Can'.
Mr Guzman-Betancourt reportedly fooled staff into believing he was a guest to gain access to hotel rooms.
Mr Guzman-Betancourt had earlier pleaded guilty to burgling two top London hotels – the Mandarin Oriental and the Dorchester – and had also asked for several other offences, including the possession of forged passports to be taken into consideration.
It has been reported that Mr Guzman-Betancourt is wanted in Las Vegas. Investigations into his activities in countries including Russia, Canada, Thailand and Japan are also taking place, according to reports.
(KMcA/SP)
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