A romance fraudster who conned his victim out of thousands of pounds has been ordered to pay back over £32,000.
Kye Hughes, 35, was sentenced to 40 months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court last October for his deceptive scheme.
Hughes met his victim on a dating app, presenting a lavish lifestyle he claimed came from acting, singing, and investing in luxury watches.
He manipulated the victim into giving him her savings, borrowing from her parents and taking out high-interest loans, promising returns from a fictitious investment scheme.
Kye Hughes met his victim on a dating app, presenting a lavish lifestyle he claimed came from acting, singing, and investing in luxury watches
Kent Police
The court heard that the victim sent Hughes more than £175,000 in total.
The Confiscation Order, issued by the court, requires Hughes to repay £32,144 or face an additional 12 months in prison.
Hughes’ deception extended beyond initial financial requests as he fabricated threats from a fictional third party, claiming they would visit the victim’s home if she didn’t continue providing money.
Despite the relationship ending, he continued to request money for almost a year.
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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Proceeds of Crime Division initiated proceedings to recover Hughes’ ill-gotten gains following his conviction.
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, said: “Romance fraud is a cruel deception that preys on the unique trust and vulnerability that exists in intimate relationships.”
He added: “Kye Hughes manipulated the victim, stealing from her, threatening her and leaving her with debt and unimaginable stress.”
The court issued both a Confiscation Order and a Compensation Order for £32,144, to be paid directly to the victim.
Should Hughes acquire additional assets in the future, the CPS can pursue further legal action to recover the full amount of his criminal benefit.
One of the watches Kye Hughes bought with the fraudulent money from his victim
Kent Police
Foster said: “The CPS will always use the powers available to ensure crime does not pay, depriving criminals of their ill-gotten gains and ensuring where we can that monies are repaid to the victim.”
Between 2019 and 2024, £450million has been recovered from Confiscation Orders obtained by the CPS.
This substantial sum ensures that thousands of convicted criminals are unable to profit from their offences.
Notably, £88m of the recovered funds has been returned to victims of crime as compensation.
