A MAN has been charged in connection with a fraud which saw companies allegedly conned out of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Edward Van Vessem, originally from Blackburn, was arrested by officers from Lancashire Police's serious and organised crime unit.

The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with nine counts of fraud, police said.

A number of companies across the country were targeted for fraud over an 18-month period.

It is believed that Van Vessem is accused of obtaining money by hijacking the accounts of businesses as well as purporting to be from certain companies.

The fraud and another matter being dealt with by Surrey Police is believed to amount to in excess of £400,000.

None of the companies are from Lancashire but Lancashire Police took part in the operation because Van Vessem is from East Lancashire.

Van Vessem was arrested in Preston last Tuesday and appeared before magistrates in Preston last Thursday.

No application for bail was made during the hearing and Van Vessem was remanded in custody, police said.

He is due to appear before magistrates on Thursday and is expected to stand trail at Preston Crown in December.

Police are not releasing any more details about Van Vessem or the allegations.

A police spokesman said: "On Tuesday November 6 officers from Lancashire Constabulary's serious and organised crime unit arrested Edward Van Vessem, 31 of no fixed abode but originally from Blackburn, in connection with a large scale fraud.

"The arrest took place in Preston.

"On Wednesday November 7 Van Vessem was charged with nine offences of fraud.

"He appeared at Preston Magistrates on Thursday November 8 where he made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until Thursday 15 November when he'll reappear at Preston Magistrates."