Fraud Gang Jailed for Preying on Elderly Victims
Four members of a ruthless gang have been slammed with a combined 20 years and eight months behind bars for conning over £290,000 from vulnerable elderly victims. The fraudsters, Mohammed Rahman, Muhammed Maarjan, Muhammed Hussain, and Shoriful Islam, appeared at Bristol Crown Court and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.
Callous Scam Targeted Over 60 Elderly Victims
Between January and April 2021, the gang called thousands of potential victims nationwide, zeroing in on one region before moving on. They spun terrifying tales of counterfeit money being funnelled into victims’ bank accounts as part of a fake police investigation. Panic-stricken victims were urged to rush to the bank and withdraw thousands, handing the cash to a bogus ‘police courier.’
- At least 60 victims, mostly aged 75 and over, were tricked out of more than £290,000
- The scammers made around 7,000 calls, targeting some of society’s most vulnerable
- Victims included terminally ill individuals and those with dementia
Many of these elderly victims, some as old as 99, have never recovered financially or emotionally from the devastating losses.
High-Speed Rooftop Chase Ends Gang’s Reign
The gang’s downfall began after Gloucestershire police uncovered a victim in Cirencester. A joint operation involving 20 police forces and the City of London Police, the national lead on courier fraud, led to a dramatic arrest on April 6, 2021, at a London property. Officers caught the gang members fleeing across rooftops in a tense chase before bringing them to justice.
Police seized cash, designer gear, Rolex watches, a Mercedes, and an Audi during raids, confirming the extent of the gang’s lavish lifestyle at the victims’ expense.
Judge Slams Fraudsters for Exploiting the Elderly
“Each of you were fully aware of the scale of the operation you were involved in, and you were additionally aware of the basis of the fraud, which was to prey on the trust of the elderly,” Judge Michael Cullum said.
“You discovered them in their final years. They had every right to have faith in the banks. They had faith in the police.”
The judge warned the gang took far more than money—they shattered lives, leaving many victims humiliated and terrified. Many victims blamed themselves, feeling “stupid” despite being intelligent, retired professionals who only wanted to help the authorities.
Police Pledge to Stamp Out Courier Fraud
Detective Inspector Matt Phillips praised police efforts and vowed to hunt down fraudsters nationwide.
“No courier fraud was recorded in Gloucestershire for months after the arrests, with drops seen across the country. This sends a clear message: we will not tolerate criminal gangs targeting vulnerable people,” he said.
The CPS’s Kevin Hansford added: “These criminals ruthlessly enriched themselves at the expense of vulnerable people relying on their hard-earned savings.”
Two more suspects, Kawsar Ahmed and Mohammed Ahmed, are due for sentencing on June 28.
Justice has been served for the elderly victims who suffered such horrific betrayal.
