Two jailed following Cleveland courier fraud strike

Thanks to officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), working together with Cleveland Police and the Metropolitan Police, two men have been handed prison sentences for their efforts to steal money from elderly victims. 

In June, NEROCU officers identified a Courier Fraud crime series in the North East. The operation identified several elderly and vulnerable victims residing in the Cleveland area. Victims had been contacted via telephone by persons purporting to be police officers investigating fraud offences.

The victims had been asked to assist the caller with their investigations and have been asked to withdraw money from their bank accounts or obtain foreign currency. A courier, who was actually one of the criminal gang, then attended the victims’ addresses and took the large quantities of cash and valuables and before leaving the area.

A joint taskforce was deployed and through enquiries officers established the suspects, Ibrahim Mahmood, 28, and Mohammad Butt, 32, were operating their illicit activities from London. An arrest strike was executed and resulted in both suspects in custody and various items of evidence seized to support the investigation.

Mahmood, of High Road in Willesden Green, and Butt, of Evelyn Avenue in Kingsbury, were subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and were remanded for court.

In July they both pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court and yesterday (Thursday), they appeared before the same court and were each sentenced to six years imprisonment, reduced to four years due to guilty pleas and time served.

Detective Sergeant Patrick Naughten, from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), said: “We have shown time and time again that we remain robust in pursuing those looking to exploit and defraud vulnerable victims.

“This crime type has a significant impact on victim’s physical, emotional and economic health. I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation who has worked tirelessly to secure justice for the victims.”

Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy, said: “This is just our latest action under the banner of Operation Sentinel and our dedicated officers will continue dismantling illegal fraud operations and ensuring those responsible are brought before the court.”

Anyone who has any information about criminal activity, can report it to their local police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.