Using a fake Clubcard app they bought on TikTok, two university students from Manchester are accused of defrauding Tesco locations throughout Northern Ireland, the High Court heard on Wednesday.
Emmanuel Moyo and Suleiman Ayaz are charged with breaking into branches last week in order to steal expensive goods.
They are also accused of using a cashback system to dishonestly obtain funds.
Both of the men, who are 21 years old, were given bail but were prohibited from entering any UK Tesco stores.
Counts of fraud by false representation, theft, and attempted theft have been brought against Moyo of Longford Road in Manchester and Ayaz of Laceby Avenue in the city.
They were detained, according to the prosecution, after Tesco reported numerous incidents at its locations in Crumlin, Ballymena, Lurgan, Banbridge, and Craigavon between June 5 and 6.
According to reports, CCTV footage showed both students choosing expensive items like electronic toothbrushes.
The prosecution's attorney claimed, "They went to the self-service checkouts and used a smartphone to scan multiple Clubcard vouchers, ultimately bringing the price of the goods to zero.
"They also practiced inserting actual vouchers into machines with a bank card, after which the machines were programmed to dispense cash. ".
According to evidence presented in court, Tesco lost a total of £1,966.92 in the scam.
During police interviews, Moyo admitted some things but made it seem like the retailer was to blame for any money taken through the cashback system.
The prosecutor said, "He explained that he paid £250 for an app through TikTok that was a clone of a Tesco Clubcard app.
An in-app marketplace is available on the popular video platform TikTok for users and brands to sell goods.
"He said they came to Northern Ireland after their first year of college because they had heard it was inexpensive to travel there. ".
The items were either going to be sold or given to family and friends, according to Moyo's account.
Any money obtained by using the self-service machines was an unanticipated "bonus.".
When questioned by the detectives, Ayaz remained silent.
"Police are of the opinion that they have traveled here solely to commit these offenses," the defense attorney argued in opposition to bail. ".
Moyo is currently enrolled at the University of Salford to study architecture, according to Mr. Justice Rooney.
If he completes his degree, "he has a defined career path," according to his lawyer.
Additionally, Ayaz has finished the second year of an academic course in electrical engineering.
Following guarantees that Manchester police will conduct checks on both accused, bail was granted for both.
Mr. Justice Rooney confirmed that they will not be allowed to enter any Tesco stores in the UK and demanded £1,000 in cash sureties as part of the release conditions.
