Fraudster's DNA found on stamp

DNA was found on the back of a stamp

A social security fraudster has been jailed after his DNA was found on the back of a postage stamp.

Elisio Garcia, 30, was jailed for a year at Exeter Crown Court after admitting six charges of forgery, fraud and deception involving more than £7,000.

Garcia toured post offices in Devon using an alias to cash false social security cheques.

A saliva sample taken from the stamp on an envelope containing forged cheques matched his DNA.

DNA match

Garcia, of no fixed address, was arrested after a tip-off.

An envelope containing forged giros ready for use was recovered.

Garcia had denied he had anything to with the envelope until the DNA match.

Prosecutor Gavin Collett said Garcia carried out the frauds at post offices across the county.

He said Garcia was able to dupe postmasters by using forged identity papers and stolen credit cards.