Families across Merseyside are rallying together after an ex-boxer allegedly conned elderly neighbours out of thousands. One woman is leading the fight—and she’s not backing down.
He was the friendly face at the door. He had a firm handshake, a reassuring smile, and a van with a logo on the side. He promised to fix the roof, to sort the garden, to make things right.
But within weeks, the van was gone. The phone number was dead. And the life savings of some of Merseyside’s most vulnerable residents had vanished with him.
Deepak Pathak—an ex-boxer known in Halewood, known in Huyton, known across the Wirral—is now believed to be living in Thailand. But his victims are not staying silent. They are coming together, sharing their stories, and fighting back.
‘He Knew Exactly Who to Target’
For Margaret, a 78-year-old widow from the Liverpool, the nightmare began with a knock on the door.
“He seemed so professional,” she told us, her voice trembling. “He looked at my roof and said it was dangerous. He said he could fix it for a good price. I trusted him. I handed over my savings—£8,000—and I never saw him again.”
Margaret is not alone. Multiple families across Merseyside have come forward with similar stories. Pathak, who has a history of County Court Judgments against him, allegedly took deposits for work that was either never started, never finished, or so badly botched that it cost victims even more to put right.
“He’s an accomplished conman,” one victim told us. “He targets elderly people because they trust him. He knows they’re polite. He knows they won’t cause a fuss. And then he takes everything.”
‘It Makes Me Physically Sick’
The emotional toll on the victims is devastating. Many are now too embarrassed to tell their families. Others are struggling to pay their energy bills after handing over their cash to a stranger.
Another victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve worked all my life. I saved every penny. And now it’s gone. He’s out there in the sun, spending my money, while I’m here worrying about how to heat my home this winter.”
She paused, wiping her eyes. “It makes me physically sick. But I won’t let him win. I won’t stay silent.”
The Police Response—’A Civil Matter’
When victims reported Pathak to Merseyside Police, many were told it was a “civil matter.” They were directed to solicitors, not detectives.
One frustrated family member said: “I reported him through the police website. I gave them everything—his name, his van, his photo. And they said it wasn’t a criminal matter. But when an old woman hands over her life savings for a roof that doesn’t exist, that’s not civil. That’s criminal.”
Merseyside Police have faced criticism for their handling of the case. While officers did attend one elderly couple’s home to offer support, other victims say they were left to fend for themselves.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We take all reports of fraud seriously. However, each case must be assessed on its individual merits. We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud to report it to us.”
But for Margaret and the others, that response rings hollow.
A Community Fights Back
But here’s the thing about Merseyside—when one of our own is wronged, we don’t turn away. We turn up.
One woman—a victim herself—has refused to stay silent. She has gathered evidence, contacted other victims, and is building a case that she hopes will force the authorities to act.
“She’s not backing down,” a friend told us. “She’s been scammed, ignored by the police, and left with a CCJ that means nothing. But she’s still fighting. And she’s bringing other victims with her.”
The group of victims now meets regularly, sharing their stories and supporting one another. They have created a network of solidarity—a reminder that even in the face of injustice, community matters.
Another victim added: “We’re not just doing this for ourselves anymore. We’re doing it for every elderly person who trusted him. Every family who lost money. Every victim who was told it was a ‘civil matter’ and sent away.”
The Thailand Escape
And now, Pathak is reportedly living in Thailand. The ex-boxer who allegedly conned countless Merseyside families is enjoying the sun while his victims struggle to pick up the pieces.
But the woman leading the charge is determined to expose him—wherever he is.
“He thinks he’s got away with it,” she said. “He’s probably laughing at us. But he hasn’t got away with it. Not really. Because we’re still here. We’re still talking. And we’re not going anywhere.”
A Message from the Wirral
For Margaret, the fight is personal.
“I’m 78 years old,” she said. “I worked hard all my life. I raised my children. I paid my taxes. I did everything right. And now I’m left with nothing—and he’s living in paradise.”
She paused. “But I won’t let him destroy me. I won’t let him win. And I want other people to know—if this happens to you, you’re not alone. There are other people out there. And if we stand together, maybe something will change.”
Can You Help?
Merseyside Police are urging anyone with information about Deepak Pathak or his whereabouts to come forward.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, you can report it to Merseyside Police online or by calling 101.
You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
BEEN A VICTIM OF DEEPAK PATHAK SHARE Your story with at shareyourstory@yapper-news-liverpool.com
