Battersea man involved in bank card scams to fleece pensioners awaits court fate
A 20-year-old from Battersea has appeared in court to plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to steal following a police sting on scammers preying on the elderly.
Hanad Mohamed, of Francis Chichester Way, will be sentenced on May 9 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
An undercover Met operation led to the conviction of scammers who tricked pensioners into handing over their bank cards before draining their accounts.
Arbaaz Khan was the apparent leader of a group who tricked nine pensioners, with an average age of 87, from across London into handing over their bank cards.
The victims were persuaded they urgently needed to hand over their cards, and Khan would send one of his runners to collect it. They would then drain victims’ bank accounts.
In total they stole £11,940 over nine offences between November 1, 2021 and February 16, 2022.
When officers arrested Khan on February 16, 2022, he attempted to throw one of his phones away. It was recovered and police discovered he had used it that very morning to direct one of his group to the home of a 101-year-old woman.
Khan, 31, of Tyndall Road, Leyton, pleaded guilty on March 12 to conspiracy to steal. He is also due to be sentenced on May 9 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
A third person, Bradley Goode, 23, of Tristram Close, Walthamstow, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Goode has been sentenced to a community order of 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to undergo rehabilitation.
Abi Wood, chief executive of Age UK London, said: “This is a terrible case of scamming older people who are so often targeted for this type of crime. In this case, the work of the Met police officers has been vital to prevent any more people becoming victims and we are pleased to see that the criminals were caught.
“Our advice to older people is to say no. Never disclose your bank details either over the phone or to someone in person who asks for it and never hand over your bank cards.
“If you are unsure check with your bank or someone you know before doing anything. For doorstep scams, keep all doors locked when answering the door as people can work together, use a chain on the door, especially if you are not expecting anyone, ask for ID and ask them to wait while you check with their organisation.
“A genuine person would not mind you doing this. If you feel unsafe or pressured contact family, a friend, or the police.”
Commander Kevin Southworth said: “Burglary is a particularly intrusive crime that can be hugely distressing for the victims. We know from speaking with victims that they often feel a sense of violation, and remain fearful that someone could come into their home.”
Pictured top: Hanad Mohamed (Picture: The Met)
