High-class conwoman admits £2m scam

Shahra Marsh, 52, gained the confidence of a string of boutiques and auctioneers in Paris, London and Geneva, getting them to part with antiques and jewellery that she had no intention of ever paying for.

She pleaded guilty at London's Southwark Crown Court to 20 charges of fraudulently obtaining and concealing goods between May 2005 and July 2007.

It can also now be reported that Marsh admitted 18 similar counts at previous court appearances. She will be sentenced on Thursday.

Marsh's reign as a up-market fraudster lasted seven years, from 2001 to 2008.

She would use grandiose aliases including Shara Sylvia Marsh De Savigny as part of the deception.

Among the auction houses hit were Bonhams, Christie's and Sotheby's in London as well as a string of upmarket boutiques in Paris.

She would build up a trust with staff at the auctioneers either in person or through a series of letters. Having showed interest in specific items she would then make sure she outbid any rivals and either pick up the goods in person or have them shipped from overseas to a number of rented addresses in London.

But it was only after parting with the goods - which included paintings, diamond-encrusted jewellery and a Napoleon III bureau - that the auction house would release it had been conned. Cheques written out by Marsh would be returned to them unpaid and attempts to contact her were fruitless.

The most expensive item to be taken in the fraud was a diamond ring worth £100,000. Her haul also took in costly silverware, handbags, a fur coat and shoes.