THREE businessmen and a company PA from the region are behind bars after police cracked a worldwide scam which netted tens-of-millions of pounds.

All four took part in a complex invoice scam where they would borrow money from banks using fake invoices as surety.

The process, if used honestly, is a way for companies to stay afloat while they await payment on large-scale orders.

Tony Prudhoe, a 60-year-old engineering boss, formerly of Bridge House, Corbridge, Northumberland, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty at Leeds Crown Court to six charges of fraud.

Most of the frauds were committed to prop up Prudhoe's ailing companies, including Beaver Power Engineering Services and Northumbria Capital Investments, in places including Wallsend, Hexham, Teesside, Grimsby, Birmingham, Aberdeen and the Isle of Wight.

His company personal assistant, Linda Straughan, 60, of Lyndhurst Grove, Low Fell, Gateshead, and commercial director Mark Grainger, 41, of Kew Gardens, Stockton, denied six counts of fraudulent trading.

They were found guilty and Straughan was jailed for two years. Grainger, who it was accepted was corrupted by Prudhoe, received 27 months.

The court heard that managing director Michael Bird started faking invoices when he was told by Prudhoe there was not enough cash to pay the workforce.

Bird 49, of Central Parade, Shildon, County Durham, admitted six counts of fraudulent trading and was jailed for 27 months.