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A North London fraudster, Qays Aktar, has been sentenced to five years and one month in prison for orchestrating a sophisticated 'courier fraud' scheme that swindled over £100,000 from eight vulnerable pensioners and adults. Aktar, 30, of Grasmere Avenue, Wembley, posed as a police officer to deceive victims, aged 65 to 83, into handing over their life savings under the pretense of a fake investigation. This case has shed light on a widespread criminal enterprise that exploited trust and caused significant financial and emotional distress to its victims, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
Investigation and Modus Operandi-The investigation, led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), revealed the intricate workings of Aktar’s scam. Aktar was the ringleader of a criminal group that set up temporary call centers in rented holiday lets across London and Norwich. From these locations, the group would cold-call landline numbers, specifically targeting elderly individuals. Aktar would then convince the victims that their bank accounts were at risk of "fraudulent activity" and that, as a police officer, he needed their help to catch the culprits. He would instruct them to withdraw large sums of money, which they were told would be a key part of the 'investigation', and then hand it over to a "police courier" (a member of his group).
The elaborate ruse worked because it exploited a deep-seated trust in authority figures like police officers and bank employees. The scammers were adept at creating a sense of urgency and panic, preventing victims from thinking clearly or consulting with family members. This particular type of crime, known as courier fraud, has seen a rise in recent years, with over 100 similar cases reported across several English counties, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Dorset, and Hampshire, by November 2024. This shows the scale of the problem and the organized nature of these criminal networks.
Apprehension and Legal Proceedings-Aktar was identified and arrested by specialist detectives from ERSOU. During searches of properties in London, Hatfield, and Norwich, officers seized multiple digital devices. The evidence found on these devices, including call logs, scripts for the scams, and financial records, was overwhelming and pointed to Aktar as the main person in charge of the operation. He was charged with eight counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and, facing the extensive evidence against him, pleaded guilty to all charges.
At Norwich Crown Court, Aktar was sentenced to five years and one month in prison. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime, highlighting the targeted nature of the fraud against some of society's most vulnerable members. While the sentencing provides a measure of justice, ongoing enquiries are in place to determine if any of Aktar's assets can be recovered and used to compensate the victims for their devastating losses. Detective Inspector Mhairi Shurmer of ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, "A police officer or bank employee will never ask you to withdraw and hand over cash... If you are asked to do this, hang up and contact police straight away."
Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Scams-This case serves as a crucial reminder for the public, especially for elderly individuals and their families, to be vigilant against scams. Fraudsters often use sophisticated tactics to gain trust, but there are clear red flags to watch for. Genuine law enforcement and financial institutions will never demand immediate payment, ask for confidential information over the phone, or instruct you to withdraw cash and hand it over to a courier. If you receive a suspicious call, it's best to hang up, wait for a few minutes to ensure the line is clear, and then call the official number of the bank or police department using a different phone if possible. Educating communities about these schemes is a key step in preventing future victimization.
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