Netflix’s new documentary “Con Mum” has captivated audiences with its shocking portrayal of renowned pastry chef Graham Hornigold’s harrowing experience as the victim of an elaborate confidence scam. Hornigold, the founder of gourmet doughnut brand Longboys, was targeted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by a woman claiming to be his long-lost mother, a deception that ultimately cost him £300,000 ($387,228) in debt and nearly destroyed his life. The documentary not only highlights the sophisticated nature of modern fraud but also showcases Hornigold’s remarkable journey of resilience and recovery in the aftermath of such a devastating personal crisis. Through his candid sharing of this painful chapter, Hornigold hopes to raise awareness about mental health and the ways unprocessed trauma can manifest in vulnerability to such schemes.
From Culinary Star to Fraud Victim
Graham Hornigold built an impressive career before becoming a victim of fraud. As the former head pastry chef at the prestigious Hakkasan Group, he established himself as a culinary talent in the competitive dessert world. His expertise earned him spots on popular television shows like Masterchef: The Professionals and Junior Bake Off, cementing his reputation in the industry.
In 2019, Hornigold partnered with fellow pastry chef Heather Kaniuk to launch Longboys, a brand that would revolutionize the traditional doughnut. What began as pop-up ventures soon blossomed into brick-and-mortar stores, offering Londoners an innovative take on a classic treat. The brand quickly gained attention for its distinctive approach – elongated brioche-style doughnuts featuring fresh fillings, reduced sugar content, and creative flavor combinations.
Longboys’ innovation within the bakery industry’s changing landscape helped them stand out in a crowded market. Their commitment to quality ingredients and unique offerings secured placements in high-end retailers like Harrods and Selfridges, with the brand eventually expanding to three locations and developing an events division for festivals and corporate functions.
The Elaborate Con That Changed Everything
The devastating scam began innocuously in early 2020 when Hornigold received an email from a woman calling herself “Dionne,” who claimed to be his long-lost mother. This initial contact came during a particularly vulnerable period – the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when uncertainty and isolation were affecting millions worldwide. The timing couldn’t have been worse for someone about to be targeted by a sophisticated fraudster.
Dionne’s elaborate story included claims that she was terminally ill with only months to live. She presented herself as a wealthy businesswoman, building a false sense of legitimacy that gradually earned Hornigold’s trust. The scam reached new heights when she took him to a private bank in Switzerland, where she promised a substantial inheritance that would never materialize.
“It’s a horrible story but one that needs to be told,” Hornigold shares in the documentary. “I’ve lost everything and everyone due to the choices I have made.” The fraud resulted in Hornigold accumulating approximately £300,000 in debt, while also costing him his home and family relationships. The psychological impact was as devastating as the financial one, bringing him to the brink of bankruptcy and personal collapse.
The con’s sophistication reveals how modern scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities rather than relying on obvious financial tricks. In comparing Hornigold’s experience to other fraud cases, like those seen with contemporary dessert brands, his ordeal stands out for its deeply personal nature and the scammer’s willingness to maintain the deception over an extended period.
The Road to Recovery and Rebuilding
After his world collapsed, Hornigold focused entirely on rebuilding his life through his remaining business asset – Longboys. The gourmet doughnut brand became his financial lifeline and the centerpiece of his recovery strategy. Through sheer determination and an unwavering commitment to his craft, he worked tirelessly to grow the business in the aftermath of both personal trauma and the pandemic’s impact on the food industry.
His professional resilience led to significant achievements despite the ongoing challenges. In 2023, Hornigold acquired Pretty Sweet from renowned pastry chef Claire Clark, expanding his business portfolio and creating new opportunities for growth. He also continued to operate his consultancy business, Smart Patisserie, leveraging his extensive expertise to provide value to other food entrepreneurs facing challenges and opportunities in the bakery sector.
A significant milestone in Longboys’ recovery came with the securing of a new investor, providing the financial stability needed to ensure the brand’s continued expansion. This investment not only validated Hornigold’s business model but also provided the resources necessary to explore new markets and product lines, demonstrating that professional success remains possible after trauma.
The documentary highlights how Hornigold’s focus on innovation and quality helped Longboys thrive even during difficult times. Their unique approach to doughnuts continues to resonate with consumers looking for premium dessert experiences that align with current snacking trends in the food scene.
The “Conboy” Doughnut: Turning Pain into Art
To mark the release of “Con Mum” on Netflix, Hornigold created a special edition doughnut aptly named the “Conboy.” This unique creation serves as a powerful artistic representation of his experience with fraud and the journey that followed. The doughnut features an eye-catching gold, diamond-encrusted exterior designed to symbolize the glamour and false promises that initially attracted him to the scam.
Behind the glittering façade lies a deeper meaning – the doughnut’s interior represents the darkness and pain that existed beneath the con’s appealing surface. Through this creative expression, Hornigold transforms his traumatic experience into something tangible that both commemorates his story and warns others about the deceptive nature of confidence frauds. The “Conboy” perfectly encapsulates the duality of his experience – beauty disguising deception.
This special edition doughnut also reinforces Longboys’ commitment to innovative flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients, demonstrating that the brand’s core values remain intact despite the challenges its founder has faced. The “Conboy” has resonated with customers who appreciate both the craftsmanship and the powerful story behind it, creating additional buzz around the brand coinciding with the documentary’s release.
I’ve always believed that desserts can tell stories beyond just satisfying sweet cravings. If you’re interested in discovering other unique dessert businesses with compelling narratives, consider submitting local dessert shops to our growing business directory.
Longboys: A Gourmet Success Story That Continues
Despite the personal ordeal faced by its founder, Longboys has established itself as a standout gourmet brand in the competitive London dessert scene. Founded in 2019 by Graham Hornigold and Heather Kaniuk, the brand has distinguished itself with a clear vision and unique product offering. Their signature finger doughnuts represent a departure from traditional round varieties, creating an instantly recognizable product that customers associate with premium quality.
Longboys’ approach to doughnut creation emphasizes reduced sugar content without compromising on flavor, addressing growing consumer demand for more balanced indulgences. The brand’s commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients for their fillings has earned them a devoted following among health-conscious dessert enthusiasts. Their innovative flavor combinations – ranging from classics with a twist to completely unexpected pairings – keep customers engaged and excited about new releases.
With three physical locations and product placement in luxury retailers like Harrods and Selfridges, Longboys has achieved significant market penetration in a relatively short time. Their events division caters to festivals and corporate functions, extending the brand’s reach beyond traditional retail channels. The company maintains an active social media presence (@longboys_uk) and comprehensive website (longboys.co.uk) to engage with their customer base.
Through Hornigold’s personal story as shared in “Con Mum,” Longboys has gained an additional dimension of brand identity centered on resilience and authenticity. What began as a creative partnership between two pastry chefs has evolved into a symbol of perseverance, demonstrating how passion for quality and innovation can help overcome even the most challenging circumstances. The continued success of Longboys serves as both a professional achievement and a personal triumph for its founder.