NHS tech boss worked for two years before being exposed as £500k fraudster

A CROOKED IT manager worked for two years at a health board where bosses were unaware he’d served time in prison for nicking £560,000, we can reveal.

A source told how Anthony Murrell, 48, used the false name Tony Watson to land a plum job in charge of digital security at NHS Highland.

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They hired him shortly after he’d been released from a jail term of three years and four months handed down in 2020 for embezzling cash from a London-based asset management firm he’d worked at.

Murrell, of Auchterarder, Perthshire, splashed the stolen cash on flash cars, holidays and jewellery.

Last night an insider said the health board’s failure to adequately check his background before they recruited the ex-convict in May 2022 was “deeply worrying”.

They told The Scottish Sun: “He came in as network manager after going through interviews and the like with NHS Highland’s chiefs.

“For the two years he was there, not even a whisper was heard about him not being genuine.”

Murrell’s scam at Legal and General Investment Management was exposed after he was made redundant from his £80,000-a-year role as the company’s IT manager.

For the two years he was there, not even a whisper was heard about him not being genuine

Source

A court in London heard how the dad of six set up a bogus firm to purchase non-existent computer cables.

He processed 53 invoices to his fake company, with the money landing in his bank account.

He was locked up after pleading guilty to one fraud charge.

The source claimed Murrell had the authority at NHS Highland to submit requests for equipment and could recommend suppliers.

They added: “He was saying that some of the hardware wasn’t fit for purpose.

“I don’t know if that was him hinting at buying new stuff.

“The health board has a procurement department and an ordering system.

It’s hugely worrying, especially the fact that those who interviewed him were unaware. Someone has to take responsibility for this

Source

“If he had wanted to order different routers or cables, he could have put orders through.

“And he could suggest suppliers that weren’t in the catalogues.

“It’s hugely worrying, especially the fact that those who interviewed him were unaware.

“Someone has to take responsibility for this. And there needs to be tighter security.”

A spokesman for NHS Highland said: “As this is part of an ongoing criminal investigation, the board are unable to make any further comment at this time.”