Donna Wells is thought to still be abroad
A conwoman boss has skipped the country and remains on the run in Turkey after stealing more than £150,000 from her charity and "effectively putting it out of business".
She was "placed in a position of trust" in the organisation, including approving invoices, as part of this role. But an investigation sparked by a whistleblower in December 2020 found that she had exploited this position by making dozens of bogus transfers into business accounts linked to her and her friend's husband Francis Jones.
Mr Christie said that the "impact on the charity had been dramatic in the extreme", with Wells' actions "effectively putting it out of business" after Halton Borough Council opted not to renew its contract with Addaction following the revelations. Colleagues described feeling the "finger of suspicion falling on them" while the lengthy enquiries progressed.
Enquiries have since revealed that the fraudster flew to Istanbul from Manchester Airport on the afternoon of November 30, then took an onward flight to the port city of Bodrum. Mr Christie said that this was "where it is suggested she still resides", with Wells having family including her mum in Turkey.
Wells admitted fraud by abuse of position, fraud and money laundering. She was jailed for four years in her absence.
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