Notorious Gang Caught After Scamming Elderly Out of £290k
Four conmen who duped more than 60 vulnerable pensioners out of nearly £300,000 have been slammed with hefty prison terms at Bristol Crown Court. Mohammed Rahman, Muhammed Maarjan, Muhammed Hussain, and Shoriful Islam admitted to running a ruthless courier fraud scheme targeting the elderly.
Heartless Scam Preyed on Elderly Victims
Between January and April 2021, the gang made a staggering 7,000 calls nationwide. They spun chilling tales about fake fraud investigations and counterfeit banknotes, scaring victims into handing over thousands of pounds to fake ‘police couriers.’
- Victims were mostly aged 75 and over, including two aged 99.
- Many had dementia or were terminally ill.
- Some victims still haven’t recovered their losses.
High-Speed Rooftop Police Chase Ends in Arrests
After a tip-off in Cirencester, Gloucestershire police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit teamed up with 20 forces and the City of London Police—experts in courier fraud—to bring the gang down.
On 6 April 2021, cops raided a London flat in Theberton Street. When the gang tried to escape through a window, officers chased them across rooftops before nabbing them all. Searches uncovered cash, designer gear, luxury Rolex watches, a Mercedes and an Audi.
Jail Sentences Delivered
- Mohammed Rahman, 27, got 6 years for fraud plus 2 for possession of criminal property (sentences served concurrently).
- Shoriful Islam, 24, sentenced to 4 years 8 months plus 2 years for possession.
- Mohammed Hussain, 24, received 5 years 4 months.
- Muhammed Maarjan, 23, sentenced to 4 years 8 months plus 2 years for possession.
“You preyed on the trust of the elderly, exploiting their frailty,” Judge Michael Cullum told the men.
“You robbed them of more than money—their faith in life and society is shattered forever.”
Police and CPS Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Inspector Matt Phillips said: “This sentence shows how seriously we take courier fraud. These men stooped so low to trick vulnerable and elderly people, but we won’t stand for it.”
Kevin Hansford from the CPS added: “The criminals’ sole aim was to enrich themselves at the expense of those who needed their savings most. We thank the victims and officers who helped bring these conmen to justice.”
Two more associates, Kawsar Ahmed and Mohammed Ahmed, are due for sentencing on June 28.
