Gervais victim in £200,000 gold theft

Ricky Gervais has been targeted by crooks plotting a £200,000 gold bullion theft.

The gang cloned The Office star's identity and stole the money from his Nat West bank account, which they planned to use to buy 27kg of gold.

But the dealer they were using became suspicious and alerted police.

Ricky, 42, told The People: "It was a shock but I didn't lose any money. The staff were probably suspicious because very few fat comedians from Reading go and buy gold bullion straight after a show.

"Me, Johnny Vegas and Peter Kay - we always go in and get some gold to melt down into sovereign rings."

Because the scam was discovered, Gervais got his money back. His passport had been forged, complete with photograph.

Seven men from West Africa, Britain and Asia have been arrested on allegations of conspiracy to defraud.

Published: 14 Mar 2004