TREES SENTENCED

Finally we have the news that Samuel and Joan Tree have been sentenced.

Samuel Tree has been sentenced to three and a half years, and his wife Joan Tree to 300 hours Community work.

The sentence seems to be proportional to those handed out to James McCormick and Gary Bolton in terms of the value of sales made.

The details are available here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29477894

Unfortunately the sentences do not seem to reflect the fact that Samuel Tree was responsible for introducing the fake detector scam to the U.K., but it is good to see that they have been punished for their part in this despicable trade.

This is the last of a series of trials, convictions and sentences related to the trade in fake detectors based in the U.K. There are still many questions that remain unanswered. Not least how the U.K. Government did not act sooner to put an end to the various businesses involved, despite warnings in Whitehall as early as 2001.

We will be putting together a review at some stage, which will deal with the outstanding issues, not least of which is the ongoing use of some of these useless detectors in various countries.

It is a great shame that the business partner of the Trees was found not guilty last year. Simon Sherrard of Comstrac, who was effectively the salesman for the Alpha 6 must be feeling like a very lucky man indeed!

TREES SENTENCING UPDATE

Have just been informed that the sentencing has been put back to 3 October. Not sure why, but will post result when we find out.

Trees Sentencing

Just heard from Meirion Jones (top man BBC Producer and Reporter!) that following their guilty verdicts Samuel and Joan Tree will be sentenced on September 25th.

I hope the Judge will take into account the fact that Samuel Tree was responsible for originally introducing the Quadro Tracker into the U.K. Initially he and Malcolm Roe cooperated with Gary Bolton to produce a new version (identical) called The Mole.

When Bolton, Tree and Roe fell out Bolton re-invented the scam with the GT200. Meanwhile James McCormick spent some time helping Bolton to market Mole. They also fell out and McCormcik went on to the ADE651.

Tree went on to work on the Alpha 6 with Simon Sherrard. How he was found Not Guilty still amazes me, especially in the light of the guilty verdicts of the Trees.

So, to repeat my previous comment, Samuel Tree is at the root of all the UK variants of the fraud, and deserves a heavy sentence for that reason, even if he managed to sell fewer units than Bolton or McCormick.

ANOTHER GUILTY VERDICT - HIP HIP HOORAY

I am sure you will join me in celebrating the guilty verdicts against Samuel and Joan Tree. See news reports below.

These verdicts are particularly pleasing because Samuel Tree was responsible for bringing the scam to the U.K. from the U.S. in the form of the Quadro Tracker (along with one Malcolm Roe, who we understand may be dead).

Tree and Roe introduced the Quadro Tracker to Gary Bolton (convicted of fraud last year over the GT200 variant of the 'detector').

The Quadro Tracker was then renamed MOLE. At some stage it seems Tree, Roe and Bolton fell out, and then Bolton hooked up with James McCormick (convicted last year over the ADE651 variant). Tree then when on to hook up with Simon Sherrard of Comstrac to make and sell the Alpha 6 variant, with substantial orders in Thailand, Mexico and Lebanon.

Of course, Bolton and McCormick fell out and went their own ways with the GT200 and ADE651.

So you could say that Tree is the root of all this evil, and all the branches of the U.K. end of this fraud stem from him. Well, now he will take his leave of us for a while in prison, and I hope his sentence will reflect his central role in the scandal.  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-28602876

That makes five of the six defendants in these fraud cases who have been convicted (the other being Anthony Williamson with his XK-9 variant). Regrettably, incredibly and sadly Simon Sherrard was found not guilty. He must be feeling very lucky today, but you never know when and how he might yet come a cropper. Perhaps the Police will be able to get the Trees to drop him in it, and a retrial with new evidence would then be on the cards. Let's hope so!

So, raise a glass tonight and wish them all the best in jail. They are a delightful couple, aren't they!

P.S. What a nice guy Sam must be! To allow his wife to go down with him.

Trees Alpha 6 Re-Trial

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/10967191/Couple-claimed-fake-bomb-detector-could-even-find-Madeleine-McCann.html

I will update as further reports are received.

This is a retrial as the Jury was unable to decide last time around. We had thought that this was due back in May, but seems to have been delayed for some unknown reason. Probably best not to make any detailed comment at this stage as would not want to stymie the proceedings with anything potentially prejudicial. Will just say for now that hope for the right outcome!

UPDATE 1900 15 July

I regret to have to inform you that the trial has apparently been postponed due to the Judge falling ill. We can only hope that the delay is not too long, as we are keen to see justice is done. If we receive any further news we will of course try to let you know as soon as possible.

UPDATE 0800 28 July

Just a quickie to let you know that the trial picked up last week from where it left off following the Judge falling ill. We will keep an eye out for any media reports, and for the result. 

2014 - NEW YEAR. SOME JOY, BUT STILL MUCH NONSENSE

Hello and a happy New Year to our faithful readers. Well, not all of them! The ones that don't deserve a happy New Year know who they are.

2013 was a mixed year for the Fake Explosives Detectors Campaign. Naturally we celebrated the convictions and jailing of James McCormick (ADE651) and Gary Bolton (GT200). Hope you are enjoying your surroundings boys. Of course, we await the Proceeds of Crime actions against these two, and hope that they will be unable to comply, hence allowing them to spend even more time at Her Majesty's pleasure (i.e. in prison), given that the Judge was sadly limited in the sentences he could hand out.

On the down side we saw another of the crooks, Simon Sherrard (ALPHA6) manage to convince a jury he was innocent of fraud. A crying shame! This year will see the re-trial of his partners, Sam and Joan Tree. We will of course report on that, subject to reporting restrictions.

Other bad news included reports of ongoing use of the ADE651 in Iraq, and the GT200 in Mexico, even after the convictions of McCormick and Bolton. Just goes to show what a mad World we inhabit.

Sadly we have yet to see any action in Germany against David Vollmar and Frank Trier at Unival, where they are still selling the entirely useless HEDD1 (formerly known as Sniffex). We hold out hope that they will eventually be rounded up. Of course, Yuri markov, who invented Sniffex, and managed to evade prosecution for fraud in the U.S. by running away back to Bulgaria may have been a bit worried that one of his co-conspirators was jailed in the U.S., some 7 years after the Sniffex case blew up. We still hope the FBI will seek to extradite Markov.

There are so many loose ends to the fake detectors fraud, but after nearly five and half years of our campaign, at least we can be grateful for some progress against this despicable trade.

Naturally we salute our old friend Techowiz, and wish him a great New Year. Hoping to be sharing a drink or two with him again soon.

Will leave it there for now, but you may be sure this is not the last you have heard from us.

Au revoir. 

SOME NEWS -UPDATED

1. We have been informed that Mr Anthony Williamson who made and sold the XK-9 variant of the fake detector received a suspended sentence. This was anticipated given that he is apparently in very poor health, and that we believe there were no reports of him actually having sold any units.

2. We also have information that the retrial of Mr Sam Tree and Mrs Tree in connection with the Alpha 6 fake detector has commenced. This following their earlier trial where the jury was unable to agree on a verdict. 

UPDATED 1632 GMT

Apologies. We have received further information regarding the retrial of the Trees. This suggests that the retrial has not commenced. I am waiting for guidance on reporting restrictions and will update as and when possible.

MOCHAN - THE MEXICAN MARAUDER

For those of you who do not know him, Luis Mochan is a Physics Professor at the National University of Mexico.

Along with Andres Tonini, and a few other campaigners, he has fought a long battle against the use of the fake detectors in Mexico, which was one of the largest markets for the ADE651, GT200 and Alpha 6 variants.This has been a real struggle. They have often reported how difficult it has been to get media coverage, and how intransigent politicians, military and security personnel have been in defending the use of the useless detectors.

Given that Mexico is not exactly the safest place on earth, we can also say that Luis, Andres etc have been very brave to take on the fight.

Thankfully, following the conviction and sentencing on fraud charges of both James McCormick (ADE651) and Gary Bolton (GT200) the pressure has built. Luis has sent us some excellent news of progress. We would still like to receive confirmation that Iraq, Thailand, Kenya (amongst others) are clear, and China remains a major blind spot, but it seems that we may finally be seeing the beginning of the end in Mexico.

Text of email from Luis:

Things have moved somewhat in Mexico. El Universal (a major newspaper)
published yesterday several stories about Bolton and the GT200:
     http://www.eluniversalmas.com.mx/editoriales/2013/08/66115.php
     http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion-mexico/2013/impreso/mochan-un-cientifico-a-la-caza-de-la-8220ouija-del-diablo-8221-208489.html
     http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion-mexico/2013/creador-de-39ouija-39-recibe-sentencia-de-7-anios-de-prision--944004.html

As a consequence I was contacted by two reporters and asked about the
device, etc. To my biggest surprise, the major TV news program (and,
of course, the worst) conducted by Joaquín López Dóriga presented last
night a report on Bolton's trial.
     https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded&v%3Dt9_8M--rcYo
It was surprising as López Dóriga had previously been very
enthusiastic about the device:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DNfuuPRmjWXI
His reports are usually very benign towards the government and big
business and very agressive towards everyone else.

This morning I was interviewed by Carmen Aristegui, conductor of a
major live radio talk show (probably the best, and quite
important). We talked for about half an hour:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DFU86qsiSTnM&feature%3Dyoutu.be

It turned out that at the end she interviewed the spokesman of the
security council of the ministry of the interior (gabinete de
seguridad de la secretaría de gobernación), Eduardo Sánchez. He said
quite timidly that these detectors were not used to obtain
incriminating evidence, but she somehow cornered him and he said
(reluctantly) that they are not used at all. That is false, but I
believe it important that he said so in front of a national audience.

The other news is that the governor of Colima did announce that we had
made a new test on the ADE651 and he stated publicly that his
detectors won't be used anymore.
     http://colimanoticias.com/colima-rectifica-que-detectores-moleculares-fueron-un-fraude-y-dejara-de-usarlos/


Time for a fiesta!

THE MEXICAN CONNECTION

The following academic paper was brought to my attention by a good friend of the campaign. At his request I will only identify him as our main man in Germany.

'Expertise side-lined: science, fraud and bogus molecular detectors in the Mexican ‘War on Drugs’

 

by Luis Reyes-Galindo

 

The paper presents a summarised chronology of the controversy surrounding the use of fraudulent handheld molecular detectors in Mexico, as well as the responses to the controversy from three critical sectors: the Mexican media, the different government branches and national scientific institutions. The paper also includes interview material with the most prominent critics and of the molecular detectors in Mexico and compares the voices of ‘scientific activists’ with the institutional responses. Finally, an analysis of all these different responses to the controversy is made, along with a short discussion of the relevance for expertise studies, as well as a critique of the application of existing expertise frameworks in developing country contexts such as Mexico’s.'

 

For the full paper please see HERE

Due to the academic constraints of a lack of primary sources, the paper does not cover the issue of bribery and corruption by the sellers and buyers of the fake 'detectors'. An issue which we will return to in the future.

We look forward to further work by Luis on this issue, and we hope that this paper, and other efforts by the likes of Andres Tonini, will finally bring an end to the use of the useless 'detectors' in Mexico and elsewhere.

THE MADELEINE McCANN CONNECTION

NEWS FROM THE ALPHA 6 TRIAL

Fascinating!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/29/madeleine-mccann-news-photograph-missing-girl-scam-device_n_3352772.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

UPDATE 9 JUNE 2013

As a follow up to the above story, you may also be fascinated to read the following:

 http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/court-crime/fake_bomb_detectors_located_madeleine_mccann_hampstead_garden_suburb_man_tells_old_bailey_1_2226225

Particular highlights are:

Simon Sherrard, of Hill Rise, Hampstead Garden Suburb, said the phony Alpha 6 device had indicated roughly where the missing girl was. “She was either in Ireland or somewhere in middle or Northern Europe,” he said.

Well, that narrows it down a bit doesn't it folks!

Sherrard, 50, described how he located her by taking the device into London and “walking in circles three metres in radius”.

So, no doubt we will be expecting a major breakthrough on the McCann case as a result......errrr, sometime in the next 20 years or so, perhaps, maybe, possibly........

TRIAL DATES UPDATE

We can confirm that the trial on charges of fraud of Simon Sherrard, Sam and Joan Tree, in connection with the Alpha 6 'detector' is due to commence on 28 May.

We now also have confirmation that the trial on charges of fraud of Gary Bolton, in connection with the GT200 'detector' is due to start on 1 July.

We will keep you updated on progress or any changes.

TRIALS NEWS

Samuel Tree, Joan Tree, and Simon Sherrard face trial on one count contrary to Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006, involving an ‘Alpha 6’ substance detection device.

Simon Sherrard faces an additional count contrary to Section 6 of the Fraud Act 2006 for possession of an Alpha 6 substance detection device for use in a fraud.

Our latest information suggests that the trial will commence on 28th May.

We will of course update you as and when we can.

A DETECTOR THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

NEWSFLASH!

Breaking news (although it should not be because this detector has been around for a while now!).

JREF announces launch of the RANDI (Remote And Near Detection Indicator).

Compared with other detectors such as the ADE651, GT200, ALPHA 6, H3TEC, HEDD1, SNIFFEX etc, which claim they can detect almost anything, but actually work no better than random chance because they are a pile of poo, and the people who sell them are immoral bastards, the RANDI has an incredibly high identification/exposure rate.

The RANDI can detect almost any of the following foul substances, through application of grey matter alone:

Charlatans of many a hue and cry.
So called, self appointed psychics.
Purveyors of nonsense products.
Pedlars of pharmacological piffle.
Psychopath psychic surgeons.
Sellers of scam religions (all of them?)
Completely crappy conspiracy theories and theorists.
Mythical monsters and mammals.

ET Al (no, not Green! That's one of my random musical references).

All you have to do is point the RANDI at a dodgy looking target, and it locks on within moments usually. Sometimes you may have to be patient while it computes the methodology of the con, fraud or trickery, but rest assured, it very rarely fails.

If the target appears to be spewing out large and potentially dangerous spurts of bullshit, the RANDI automatically attempts to shut off the flow, using logic and rational bombs (completely un-detectable by the targets, especially those named above, which could not detect anything except the corruptible and gullible, Sadly we are unable to control the almost inexhasutible supply of these marks or consumers of the scams. They say there's one born every minute. I reckon it's more like one every second, but that does mean the market is still vast for the RANDI).

Regrettably the RANDI does not carry enough armament to stem the flow of BS from every quarter, but  it is highly reliable, and sticks to its tasks like a limpet mine (also un-detectable by those other devices!).

The RANDI is a proven performer in many theatres of operation e.g. John of God.

It has been tested in extreme environments where blizzards of BS can be present.

The RANDI has performed under fire from the various targets it is programmed to detect. Vast amounts of insult, innuendo, diversionary, ad hominem, strawmen, fake evidence, and other forms of non-argument ammunition has been aimed at the RANDI. It still looks remarkably good for its age.

While the original RANDI has been around a while now, we have failed to find a more reliable design.

If the target remains operational, the RANDI deploys its MDC Inter Galactic Ballistic Missile, which carries a deliverable payload of 1 Million Megaton Dollars. Otherwise known as the JREF Million Dollar Challenge. The MDC hangs above the heads of targets and repeatedly drops charges on the targets. Every time they refuse to give in, and accept the MDC is more powerful than they are, they look more and more battered and bruised.

We are working on a new version of the RANDI. The upgrade will include flashing lights, and a nuclear quadrupole resonance missile. This upgraded arms capability will enable even more kills of the targets.

So, the RANDI not only detects, but is programmed to destroy the sources of baloney and BS, wherever it tries to hide.

Some prime examples of where the RANDI has locked on and not let go:

Peter Popoff
Sylvia Browne
John Edward
Quadro Tracker and all the subsequent variant of the detector fraud as above.
Scientology
Homeopathy
Alien abductions (have you seen how many Americans claim they have been abducted! Maybe that explains a lot!! Ho Ho. Just kidding!)
Big Foot/Yeti/Sasquatch
9/11 'truthers' (yeah folks! Actually didn't you know that Muffin the Mule was behind that one you idiots!)

ETC ETC ETC

We appreciate that many of these Weapons of Mass Delusion (W.M.D.) have still not been destroyed, but many have been badly wounded, and restricted in operational range by the deployment of the RANDI.

We regret that some technologies enable some of the targets to repair themselves following deployment of the RANDI e.g. The Popoff With Your Money (PWYM). However, yet again we can promise that once deployed, the RANDI never gives up. It is the most tenacious technology we have yet seen.

So, to test the RANDI yourself, under double blind conditions, and at any reputable academic institution, please contact the JREF at

RANDI.ORG

(No you silly people, RANDI, not RANDY! It's not a naughty site!!, but it can be very offensive to fraudsters thankfully!)

THE AMAZING RANDI

Anyone who has followed the Fake Explosives Detectors Campaign (FEDC) will know that I was inspired by James Randi of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)

Back in 2008 Randi issued his Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) to the ADE651. It was the fact that the ADE651 was being sold by a British company that got my goat (Damn, I loved that goat! Not carnally I hasten to add! Just joking. Got my goat means it made me mightily angry),

Anyway, it was the Randi MDC that motivated me to start to investigate further, and subsequently to encounter my great friend and great man Techowiz. Anyone who wants to know more can go back to the beginning of this blog and follow the story, or see the book of the blog at the link below (the book is easier to follow because it starts at the very beginning).

Here we link to a recent interview with The Amazing Randi at the Magic Castle. The interviewer is the marvellous mentalist, Max Maven.

It's well worth listening to the whole interview because Randi is truly a great skeptic. Despite his advancing age and recent illness, he is a deep well of great stories and wisdom.

However, for those of you with not much time, fast forward to 40 minutes in when Randi discusses the MDC with Max, and explains a little of how it works. He also mentions the Quadro Tracker and the ADE651 (actually he calls it the ADE561 but I think we'll forgive him for getting two digits the wrong way around!).

Well, we are now over three years into the campaign, and of course, none of the main criminals involved in the trade in fancy dress dowsing rods have been charged with any crime. Since Randi has been publicising this scam since 1995, isn't it AMAZING that little or nothing has been done to end this disgusting fraud? If you agree, please spread the word.

N.B. Randi can be very generous to deluded people who believe in all sorts of BS, despite the fact that he endeavours to expose frauds, scams, psychics (e.g. Sylvia Browne and John Edward) etc etc. We just want to make it clear that none of the Fake Explosives Detectors have ever been put forward for the MDC despite numerous challenges from Randi down the years, and despite some of our 'favourite'  fraudsters saying they would or might take the challenge, or indeed get proper testing carried out. WHY NOT? Because of course they know they are selling a fraud!


THE AMAZING RANDI INTERVIEW

THE BOOK OF THIS BLOG

James Randi Educational Foundation    

PLOD

No wonder we call our Police PLOD! Or the Forces of Law and Disorder....

Definition of PLOD:  To move or walk heavily or laboriously; trudge: "donkeys that plodded wearily in a circle round a gin" (D.H. Lawrence).

INSIDE KNOWLEDGE

OK folks. For your delectation, delight and dissection we present the fruits of our labours. Boy, have we been detecting!

EXCUSES EXCUSES

Our snivelling,swivellers who like to sell lies all seem to use the same book, GET OUT OF THAT, or Every Excuse You'll Ever Need.

They have all used one or more of the following when challenged to produce proper test results, or to undergo proper testing.

We have obtained a copy and here are the most common that we have received during the campaign.

We are going to have a vote to choose our favourite (currently it could be James McCormick, the ADE651 fraudster, with "Double blind testing doesn't work with this equipment.")

FART IN A SPACESUIT

Or, More on The Unival HEDD1 Legal Bluff and Bluster

Here is my direct response to David Vollmar following his legal threat and waffle justification that added no evidence to his already total lack of evidence!:

BACKHANDERS AND BACKSLIDERS AND THEIR CATACLYSM

YES, SNIVELLING SWIVELLER SELLERS AND BUYERS, YOU!

APOLOGY TO RATS!

In an earlier post I compared the swivelling fraudster mob to rats.

TO ALL RATS: I am so sorry!