Two suspected fraudsters have been charged following a series of reported attempts to trick organisations into parting with large sums of money.

Chinyere Ezabel Okpala, 44, and Uchendu Ositadimma Okpala, 45, of Bucks Cross Road, have appeared in court following a number of fraud allegations. 

One firm based in Australia paid the equivalent of £98,315 to what they thought was one of their suppliers after receiving a fraudulent email, while another based in Sweden transferred £144,469 after receiving several false invoices.

A number of other organisations including youth football and cricket clubs were also allegedly targeted between June 2016 and January 2017.

Chinyere Ezabel Okpala and Uchendu Ositadimma Okpala have been charged with six counts of fraud by false representation and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on October 13.

They pleaded not guilty to all offences and will next appear at Woolwich Crown Court on November 10.