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Cyber Laws8/8/2023 Cyber laws
The government has introduced a "new world-leading law" to protect consumers from hackers on their phones, smart TVs, fitness trackers, tablets and other devices that connect to the internet. Why? Research has shown that four in five UK manufacturers must place appropriate security measures. Products capable of connecting to the internet include things you may not immediately think of, such as speakers, thermostats, printers and toys. The law will prevent selling items in the UK that do not meet the required security standards. The ownership of devices capable of connecting to the internet has risen massively in recent years, with an average of ten devices per household. Some forecasts suggest up to 50 billion devices worldwide by the year 2030. An investigation by Which? The average home could be exposed to over 12,000 scanning or hacking attacks weekly. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre says it dealt with 777 incidents in the last 12 months, which was unprecedented. They also report an increase in ransomware attacks and significant global incidents. In 2017 data was stolen from a North American casino where the attackers gained access through an internet-connected fish tank, showing that the most innocuous items can be a security risk. What? The Bill is called the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill and has been introduced to Parliament. The law would allow the government to:
Which devices? The Bill concerns connectable products and items that can access the internet. Such items include smartphones, smart TVs, baby monitors, security systems, voice-activated assistants and smart home appliances. Devices connecting to other devices but not directly to the internet are also included, such as smart light bulbs and fitness trackers. Second-hand products will not be included as this would be impractical, placing obligations on businesses and consumers that would outweigh the benefits. An antivirus software market already serves desktops and laptops and has security features, so they are outside the scope. Default passwords A ban would be introduced on easy-to-guess or default passwords such as admin or 123456, preloaded on devices and targeted by hackers. All new devices will have to be provided with a unique password and not be capable of being restored to a universal factory setting. Security updates Manufacturers would be required to tell customers about the minimum length of time that a product would receive security updates and patches at the point of sale. Alternatively, customers must be told if a product does not come with security updates. This would mean that customers would know when and if any items they bought would become vulnerable. Reporting Manufacturers would also be required to provide a public point of contact to make reporting flaws and bugs in a product more accessible. Businesses In-scope businesses will have a duty to investigate compliance failures and to produce records and statements of compliance. Regulator The new regime will be overseen by a regulator with the power to impose financial penalties for non-compliance. The maximum fine will be £10 million or four per cent of global turnover and up to £20,000 per day in an ongoing infringement. The regulator will also be able to issue notices to companies requiring the recall of products, prohibiting the sale or supply of products, or requiring them to comply with security requirements. Research Cyber Security Breaches 2023 The National Cyber Security Centre Data stolen from North American Casino Cyber flashing as a new law
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The Government has recently announced the introduction of a new offence called "cyber flashing," which will be included in the Online Safety Bill. This move is part of the Government's ongoing effort to ensure that legal frameworks adapt to new and emerging types of crimes.
What is Cyberflashing? Cyberflashing refers to the act of sending unsolicited sexual images to others through various digital platforms, such as social media, dating apps, or using Bluetooth or Airdrop technology. These images can appear on the recipient's device without consent, even if they reject the transfer. The proposed offence criminalises sending explicit photos or videos of a person's genitals to derive sexual pleasure or cause the recipient distress, alarm, or humiliation. Prevalence and Concerns Research by Professor Jessica Ringrose revealed that a significant number of girls aged 12 to 18 had received unsolicited explicit images from males, with approximately 75.8% falling victim to this behaviour. Some girls reported blocking or reporting adult men who sent unwanted photos, but they found it more challenging to address similar behaviour from peers. The research also highlighted issues related to revenge porn among school-age students, as those under 18 lack proper avenues for assistance compared to adults. The Rationale for the Offence The new offence of cyber flashing is in line with previous actions to criminalise acts like upskirting and voyeurism involving breastfeeding. The intention behind these measures is to prioritise the protection of women and girls. Dominic Raab, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, has emphasised this as a top priority. Online Safety Bill Overview The Online Safety Bill aims to regulate the actions of social media and technology companies, holding them responsible for harmful and illegal content on their platforms. The legislation follows the principle that what is illegal offline should also be illegal online. An initial draft of the Bill was introduced in May 2021, imposing a "duty of care" on social websites to remove harmful content and safeguard children. Ofcom, the media regulator, provided oversight. Recent developments include strengthening the Bill and granting Ofcom more authority to establish and enforce clear standards. Additional Offences Covered Apart from cyber flashing, the Online Safety Bill encompasses other offences proposed by the Law Commission in its review of "Modernising Communications Offences." These offences include:
Related: Government to introduce new cyber laws Priority Offences and Penalties The Bill places a duty of care on internet companies to address illegal content, especially prioritising forms such as terrorism, child sexual abuse, and exploitation. The proposed penalty for cyber flashing is a maximum of 2 years imprisonment, while harm-based offences carry a similar sentence. The false communication offence would carry up to 51 weeks' imprisonment, and the threatening communication offence could result in up to 5 years imprisonment. In summary, introducing the cyber flashing offence in the Online Safety Bill reflects the Government's commitment to addressing emerging digital crimes and protecting against harmful online behaviours. The Bill aims to regulate technology companies more effectively and set clear standards for online content while also addressing related offences that need to be adequately covered by existing laws. The Statement Cyberflashing The Government has announced that a new offence of cyber flashing is to be introduced. The offence will be included in the Online Safety Bill as part of the Government's efforts to ensure laws keep pace with emerging crimes. Why cyber-flashing? The new offence follows similar actions to criminalise upskirting and breastfeeding voyeurism. Protecting women and girls is Dominic Rabb's top priority as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Penny Lewis, Criminal Law Commissioner, said that the online world had increased the scope for abuse and harm with a worrying rise in reports of cyber flashing. The offence will close existing loopholes in the law and be treated as seriously as in-person flashing. Online Safety Bill The Bill seeks to regulate social media and technology giants, with a parliamentary report stating that what was illegal offline should be made illegal online. The first draft of the Bill was published in May 2021 and placed a "duty of care" on social websites to remove harmful and illegal content and to protect children. However, it was left mainly to the companies to police themselves with oversight from Ofcom, the media regulator. The parliamentary report called for Ofcom to be given more extraordinary powers and to set explicit standards. The Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorris, said the Bill has been strengthened and improved since the first draft. She said the intention is to make online companies responsible for protecting children and tackling illegal content. Other offences Proposals from the Law Commission (in the review "Modernising Communications Offences), carried in the Bill, alongside cyber flashing, include:
Priority offences The Bill places a duty of care on internet companies to limit the spread of illegal content. It requires them to put systems in place to remove the content and to take additional proactive measures for priority forms of online unlawful content. Those listed in the draft bill were terrorism, child sexual abuse, and exploitation. The list of further priority offences to be written into the Bill has been developed using the following criteria:
The offences will fall into the following categories:
Penalties The new offence of cyber flashing would carry a maximum of 2 years imprisonment. The harm-based violations would also carry two years; the false communication offence would carry 51 weeks, and up to 5 years for the threatening communication offence. Professor Jessica Ringrose Source Article originally posted on Ashmans Solicitors Blog Cybercrime To Become New Offence
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A public consultation invites views on the operational impact and workability of the newly drafted Code of Practice for the statutory two-tier Out of Court Disposals framework, as set out in The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022.
Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) are used for a range of pre-charge sanctions used by police and other prosecution agencies to deal with less serious offending. The PCSC Act 2022 set out reforms to replace the current framework of warnings, penalties, and cautions with a new statutory two-tier framework, which consists of:
Justice Minister Damian Hinds said: "The current system for these punishments has grown unwieldy and has led to inconsistent use. This simplified system will ensure victims see justice being delivered, better nip lower-level criminality in the bud, and guarantee the most serious offenders always face the full glare of the courtroom." What does this mean, practically? Unlike in the previous system, both cautions must be issued with one or more meaningful conditions focusing on rehabilitation or providing direct restitution to the victim or the local community. These could include targeted unpaid work such as cleaning up graffiti, drug treatment courses, or compensation for the victim. Offenders must admit their offence to be eligible for the new cautions, meaning they accept responsibility for their actions and engage with their punishment. Certain serious crimes like the use of offensive or bladed weapons will be specified as excluded offences, which, in the government's view, "[sends] a strong signal that serious offences should be pursued through the courts." The changes will also provide clarity to frontline police officers over when and how cautions should be used. In appropriate circumstances, police will retain the use of the existing non-statutory Community Resolution. Once the new cautions framework is implemented, the other 5 OOCDs that are currently available will be abolished, namely Cannabis Warnings, Khat Warnings, Penalty Notice for Disorder, Adult Simple Caution, and Adult Conditional Caution. What Are Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) are a type of informal resolution used within the criminal justice system in various countries, including the United Kingdom. They are designed to deal with less severe or low-level offences without requiring a formal court trial. Instead of going to court, the alleged offender and the authorities (usually the police) agree on an alternative way to address the offence. Out of Court Disposals can take several forms, but some common examples include the following:
Image credit: West Midlands Police: is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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This case focuses on a man named Clive McCleester, who has been sentenced to jail for the sexual abuse of two teenage boys over 40 years ago. This conviction results from a committed and exhaustive investigation, despite the hurdles posed by the historical nature of the crimes and the ongoing pandemic.
McCleester has been convicted of serious sexual offences, including indecent assault and gross indecency with a child. These are serious crimes under UK law. Indecent assault is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and involves touching another person sexually without their consent. Gross indecency with a child is also a severe offence under the same Act and involves engaging in sexual activities with a child under 16. The nature of these crimes, combined with the offences committed against minors, would have resulted in a substantial custodial sentence, as we see here with McCleester's eight-year prison sentence and an additional eight years on licence. The latter means that McCleester will have to comply with specific conditions for eight years after his release, and failure to do so can result in his return to custody. In this case, the prosecution would have had to establish beyond reasonable doubt that McCleester committed the crimes. Due to the historical nature of the offences, this likely involved a detailed investigation into archival material, employment records, and medical reports. The challenges of such an investigation cannot be underestimated, given the time that has passed, the death of one of the victims, and the complications posed by the pandemic. McCleester's initial maintenance of his innocence likely complicated the investigation further. However, he eventually pleaded guilty to the offences, which will have been a factor in the court's decision to sentence him. This plea shows acceptance of responsibility, sometimes resulting in a lesser sentence. However, the court still imposed a significant sentence, given the severity and number of offences. In this case, the defence would likely have been tasked with examining the evidence for any inconsistencies or legal issues. Given McCleester's ultimate guilty plea, the defence may have recognised the strength of the evidence against him. Overall, this case highlights the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, even when faced with historical crimes. It also underscores the importance of providing support to victims of sexual offences, as the trauma and impact of such crimes can last for many years. The Met has specially trained officers and recommends various charities that can support victims, emphasising the importance of this aspect in dealing with such serious crimes. Possible Different Outcomes Of The Case Under the Sexual Offences Act 1956, the maximum penalty for indecent assault on a male could range from 2 to 10 years imprisonment, depending on the victim's age and other circumstances. The maximum penalty for gross indecency with a child was typically up to 2 years imprisonment. However, please note that sentencing highly depends on the case's specifics, including the number of offences, the severity of the offences, and the impact on the victims. In the case of Clive McCleester, he was charged with eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child. If he had been found guilty of all charges at trial, he could theoretically have faced a maximum sentence of many decades in prison. However, in practice, judges often impose concurrent sentences for multiple similar offences, which can reduce the total time served. If McCleester had pleaded guilty before the trial started, this could have reduced his sentence. In the English legal system, a guilty plea can reduce up to one-third of the maximum sentence. This is done to encourage guilty pleas, which can save the time and expense of a full trial and also spare victims and witnesses from the ordeal of giving evidence in court. The Case A "committed and relentless" investigation into reports of sexual abuse of boys more than 40 years ago has resulted in a man being jailed. At Inner London Crown Court on Monday, 10 July, Clive McCleester, 77 (05.08.45) of St Cross Road, Winchester was sentenced to eight years in jail and a further eight years on licence after he pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child, against two teenage boys. Detective Sergeant Hannah Stewart, from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime, said: “This has been a long and arduous investigation with McCleester maintaining his innocence throughout. We are pleased he has finally admitted his guilt just three days before we were due to take him to trial to present our case. “The initial victim survivor, having sadly passed away after giving police his evidence, was unable to hear the guilty verdict but his family represented him at court in his absence. The second victim survivor was also sexually abused and exploited by McCleester – a verger in his Cathedral. The impact to both at such a young age has been devastating. They have been extremely brave and shown tremendous strength and courage. “The officers involved in this case have worked relentlessly and shown incredible commitment to securing these convictions. Both victim/families feel they have been failed by institutions that were supposed to protect them. We hope they can feel an element of peace knowing that justice has been finally served. McCleester is a vile predator who has no place in society. “We urge anyone who has been a victim of McCleester to come forward to police. We will support you.” At the time of one of the offences McCleester was employed as a child welfare officer at Tylney Hall School in Hampshire, between 1960 and 1971. T he first victim was aged between 13 to 15-years-old at the time of the offences. McCleester resided at the boarding school in his own private residence and was assigned as a welfare officer to look after the victim following the death of his Grandmother. The abuse took place between 1 January 1969 and April 1971. The victim survivor disclosed his abuse to police after speaking with a counsellor. Sadly he will never know the final outcome of this investigation as he died in August 2020. Detectives remained in contact with his family throughout. Specialist Crime detectives launched an investigation. A second victim survivor came forward to police and disclosed the abuse he had also suffered at the hands of McCleester. He was around 13-years-old when he was abused by McCleester at Southwark Cathedral between 1 January 1984 and May 1987. He was a chorister at the Cathedral where McCleester was the Head Verger. He was abused at McCleester’s flat which was within the vicarage. Due to the time frame of the offences, specialist officers gathered and reviewed a vast amount of historical documentation to obtain the necessary evidence. They interrogated systems, old archived files and employment records from the local authority and Southwark Cathedral to trace individuals to assist with the investigation. Former pupils were traced and interviewed. They also obtained specialist medical reports to corroborate the two victim accounts. The pandemic hindered the investigation due to archives being closed. In February 2022 McCleester was charged with the offences mentioned. An initial trial was set for October 2022 but was deferred to 26 June 2023, where he pleaded guilty. Advice and details of charities that can offer support to victims of sexual offences can be found on the Met's website. The Met has specially trained officers who will listen and support you through the investigative process.
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mobile phone use while driving4/11/2023 Driving While Using a Mobile Phone: The Risks, Penalties, and Defence Strategies
Driving using a mobile phone is not only against the law but also incredibly dangerous. In fact, research using driving simulators has shown that talking on a mobile phone is more dangerous than drink-driving. Reaction times of drivers using their phones were 30% slower than those drinking and 50% slower than sober drivers. Penalties The penalties for using a mobile phone while driving can be severe. Prosecutions under Section 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 are ultimately about road safety, and fines, penalty points, and outright bans are designed to discourage drivers from using their phones. The standard penalty is a £200 fine, and six penalty points on your license, with fines of up to £1,000 not uncommon and drivers of large or passenger vehicles regularly fined £2,500. For new drivers with less than two years of experience, using a phone while driving can lead to an outright ban. Despite the apparent risks and penalties, some drivers still use their mobile phones while behind the wheel. Suppose you have been accused of using your phone while driving. In that case, there are a couple of defence strategies you can use if what the officer alleges is incorrect and cannot be proven or if there are errors in the officer's application of the law. As motor offence solicitors, we use these defence strategies to ensure our clients are dealt with fairly. Some call it finding loopholes in the law, but we prefer to say we find justice for our clients. One effective defence strategy is to challenge the accuracy of the officer's allegations. For example, if you are stopped, and the police officer says you were using your phone when you weren't, you can offer to show your call data or messages. By providing this evidence, you demonstrate that you have nothing to hide and that the officer's allegation is mistaken. Defence Strategies Another defence strategy is to challenge the officer's application of the law. Sometimes, an officer may change the allegation to "not being in proper control of a vehicle" if they suspect you were not looking at the road ahead. However, this offence is much more difficult to prove in court and typically results in lower fines and fewer penalty points. Do Not Touch The Mobile Phone While mobile phones have become indispensable, they should never be used while driving. Our advice is to avoid using your phone in any way while driving, even if you're waiting at traffic lights or parked up. This includes not using communication apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, or Instagram, not using Google or Apple Maps as a sat nav unless it's in a unique holder on your dashboard, and not touching your phone for any reason while driving. Instead, invest in a "no signal bag" for your phone if you can't resist using it. Have You Received A Fixed Penalty If you have received a fixed penalty charge and points and believe you have a good defence, you can reject them. However, it's essential to seek the advice of a solicitor before contesting the allegation. Listening is critical if a solicitor advises you not to contest the allegation. Contesting the charge without a reasonable defence risks getting an even more significant fine and paying costs if you lose. In conclusion, driving while using a mobile phone is a dangerous and illegal activity that can result in severe penalties. While defence strategies are available, it's always better to prevent the offence from occurring in the first place by avoiding using mobile phones while driving. FAQ Driving & Mobile Phones Q: Is it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in the UK? A: Yes, it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving or while stopped with the engine on. This applies to all drivers in the UK, including those on a provisional licence. Q: What is the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving? A: The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is a fine of £200 and six penalty points on your driving licence. If you are a new driver and have held your licence for less than two years, you could also be disqualified from driving. Q: Can I use my phone as a Sat Nav while driving? A: You can use your phone as a Sat Nav while driving, but it must be in a holder that does not obstruct your view of the road and you must not touch it while driving. It is recommended that you set your Sat Nav before you start your journey. Q: Can I use my phone to listen to music while driving? A: Yes, you can use your phone to listen to music while driving, but only if it is connected to your car's audio system or played through a hands-free device. You must not hold your phone or touch it while driving. Q: What should I do if a police officer accuses me of using my phone while driving when I wasn't? A: If you are wrongly accused of using your phone while driving, you can offer to show the officer your call or message data to prove that you were not using your phone. If the officer declines to see your data, this can be mentioned in court.
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This complex case involves members of an organised crime group who recruited, trafficked, and exploited vulnerable teenage girls to commit acts of fraud on their behalf. The key members convicted were Eva Dambrauskaite, Isaiah Olugosi, Holly Olugosi (nee Chapman), and Baran Karamagara. The crimes they committed included:
This conviction is particularly notable because it is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. The Modern Slavery Act is designed to combat slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking, emphasising the protection of victims and increasing the penalties for these crimes. Lessons For Defence Solicitors In terms of defence, the strategies employed by defence lawyers would depend on the case's specific details. However, given the crimes' extent and seriousness, the evidence's strength, and the number of victims, it would likely be very challenging to secure an acquittal or a significantly lesser sentence. The fact that some defendants pleaded guilty also suggests that they may have accepted a plea deal in exchange for a potentially more lenient sentence or acknowledged the strength of the evidence against them. This case underscores the grave nature of modern slavery and human trafficking crimes and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and bring those responsible to justice. The court proceedings in this case illustrate the power of organised criminal groups to manipulate vulnerable individuals and utilise them in criminal enterprises. The recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable teenage girls demonstrate how these criminals used coercion, control and manipulation to their advantage. What is notable in this case is the application of the Modern Slavery Act. Modern slavery is a heinous crime that goes beyond what traditionally constitutes slavery. It includes forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking and child labour. The fact that it's applied in this case shows how the law is evolving to ensure that such exploitation is appropriately criminalised. In terms of the seriousness of fraud, as I previously mentioned, it is indeed a serious crime. The magnitude of this case – involving an organised crime group, exploitation of minors, and significant financial gains – underscores the gravity of such offences. In this case, these potential legal defences can be challenging due to the serious nature of the offences and the substantial evidence apparently available to the prosecution. The legal team defending the accused would likely have analysed the evidence thoroughly and advised their clients accordingly. They could have explored potential arguments such as questioning the legality of the evidence obtained, the credibility of the witnesses, or whether the defendant's rights were upheld during the investigation and trial process. However, it's important to note that the success of these defences is highly dependent on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. While all this is speculative and dependent on the specific legal jurisdictions and circumstances, it demonstrates the importance of a robust legal system to prosecute and defend individuals in such serious criminal cases. Despite the severity of the crime, every accused individual must have the right to a fair trial and appropriate legal representation. This case also highlights the importance of early identification and support for potential victims of such exploitation. Early intervention, proactive law enforcement, and comprehensive support services can prevent further victimisation and ensure justice for those affected. In this case, the collaboration between law enforcement, children's services and fraud investigators from retailers was instrumental in uncovering the crime, highlighting the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling complex crimes like this. The Case Members of an organised crime group who recruited, trafficked and exploited vulnerable teenage girls to commit acts of fraud on their behalf have been convicted of modern slavery and fraud offences. The criminal gang from Cambridge, London and Essex recruited, trained and trafficked teenage girls across the country to commit refund fraud in high street stores using fake receipts. The girls would be instructed to place fake barcodes on items to pay a much cheaper price, before later asking for a refund at the full price. Is fraud a serious crime ? Officers from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit uncovered the extensive criminal enterprise after receiving intelligence from children’s services partners in 2020 who highlighted safeguarding concerns. Over 30 victims of exploitation were identified and £500k in profits were seized as part of the investigation. This conviction is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. Following a three-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, on Thursday, 10 February, a woman was convicted as follows: Eva Dambrauskaite, 21 (28.01.01), of Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation; two counts of conspiracy to defraud; concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering), possession of articles for use in fraud, and possession of cannabis. The following two members pleaded guilty at a previous hearing on 20 May 2021 at the same court: Isaiah Olugosi, 38 (26.03.83), of Lower Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation; two counts of conspiracy to defraud; concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering) and possession of articles for use in fraud. Holly Olugosi (Nee Chapman), 31 (12.12.90) of Lower Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to concealing/converting/transferring criminal property (money laundering). A third member of the group pleaded guilty to their role at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 17 December 2021. Baran Karamagara, 22 (18.04.99), of Lordship Lane, Tottenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of children for the purposes of exploitation and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. All four are due to appear at the same court for sentencing at a date yet to be confirmed. The court heard that between January 2018 and March 2020, Isiah Olugosi orchestrated a large-scale fraud enterprise targeting branches of two established retailers across the UK. Isaiah Olugosi lived with his wife Holly in Cambridgeshire and from at least January 2018, began making money for himself and his family by targeting two retailers using fraudulent receipts and printed barcodes produced at his home. Bank data shows proceeds of crime entering the accounts as far back as 2013. Exploiting Vulnerable Children The operation was too large for one person to control alone and Olugosi quickly began to build up a network of trusted associates including ‘team leaders’ and ‘drivers’ who were willing to partake in this criminal enterprise across the country. Olugosi’s appointed ‘team leaders’ were Eva Dambrauskaite and Baran Karamagara who were tasked with recruiting and managing vulnerable young girls, typically aged 14-17 years old, in order for them to carry out theft and fraud on behalf of the organised crime group. Girls were recruited via social media platforms, and approached on the street, mainly from Greater London and Essex. Officers identified over 30 victims of exploitation. Many of the victims were recruited whilst housed in foster placements or semi-independent supported facilities, and some had frequently been reported missing by their families. The ‘team leaders’ would trick or coerce the girls into joining their criminal enterprise, before Olugosi and his ‘drivers’ would transport them across the UK via pre-planned routes to target branches of each retailer. The girls would often be missing for several days, committing fraud during the day and being housed in hotels each night. In the early part of the conspiracy Isaiah Olugosi would personally drive the victims around, telling them what items to obtain, which fraud technique to use, and which branches to target. As time went on, and with Dambrauskaite and Karamagara acting as his trusted ‘drivers’, Olugosi was able to do less of the leg work. A typical day would include theft and fraud from over ten stores, making thousands of pounds per ‘route’ for the gang. The funds gained were then laundered through at least one hundred UK bank accounts, and Isaiah Olugosi, Karamagara and Dambrausakite took control of these accounts, in many instances from children or adults with mental health problems and other vulnerabilities. To evade authorities, mobile phones and vehicles were registered at addresses of adults known to have mental health problems or severe learning difficulties. Fraud Conspiracy By March 2020, the group had yielded approximately £500,000 in profits as a result of their large-scale fraud conspiracy. Over the course of her husband’s highly profitable criminal enterprise, Holly Olugosi spent large sums of money on luxury items including cosmetic surgery, tanning sessions, a new Mercedes, luxury holidays, and even a fridge costing £2500. Officers from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit were first alerted to the actions of this organised crime group after receiving intelligence from partners within Children’s Services and when offences were highlighted by the retailers who had been targeted. Fraud investigators from both organisations had noticed a pattern of young girls securing refunds with fraudulent receipts and noted safeguarding concerns around these children. Beginning in March 2020, Predatory Offender Unit officers executed a number of search warrants in London, Essex and Cambridge where they seized evidence including printers, computer equipment, fake receipts, bar codes, cash and devices used to communicate with the girls. Upon searching the Olugosi home in Cambridgeshire, it became apparent that Holly Olugosi had attempted to conceal several pieces of evidence prior to returning to their home where officers were present and searching. Karamagara and Dambrauskaite were arrested at addresses in Essex and Tottenham on 16 March 2020. Isaiah Olugosi was arrested at an address in Ilford on 17 March 2020. Holly Olugosi was interviewed under caution at a police station in Cambridgeshire on 17 June 2020. Following advice and agreement from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), a second phase of arrests were organised to question and charge Isaiah Olugosi, Dambrauskaite and Karamagara with offences under the Modern Slavery Act. Modern Slavery Act This is believed to be the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been applied to a fraud enterprise in UK law. On 26 August 2020, Dambrauskaite and Karamagara were re-arrested, questioned, charged and remanded. Isaiah Olugosi was not present when officers attended his home address in Ely and he promptly took steps to evade police. Predatory Offender Unit officers tracked him over six days, ultimately arresting him in Bradford, West Yorkshire on 1 September 2020 where he had already created a new life for himself, living in a rented room under an assumed name to evade arrest. He was interviewed, charged and remanded into custody. Sergeant PJ Jones, officer in the case from the Met’s Predatory Offender Unit, said: “This is a serious case involving the criminal exploitation of a large number of juvenile girls spanning many years. “Olugosi and others were too cowardly to execute their own crimes, and actively recruited girls with obvious vulnerabilities. They embedded themselves through peer groups of vulnerable people using them to commit fraud and using their accounts to launder money. “This was a protracted investigation which involved countless enquiries, witness statements and searches of premises to secure evidence from offences as widely spread as Glasgow and Devon. Throughout the proceedings, all of the suspects in this case did everything they could to conceal evidence, minimise their own involvement and delay justice. “I am thankful to the staff from both retailers for highlighting this case as a safeguarding concern from the outset, voicing concerns about the ages of the girls involved. “Without the bravery of all of the victims and witnesses in this case, the enterprise would never have been unearthed and I wish to thank them all for their trust. The Metropolitan Police Service has officers dedicated to confront those targeting vulnerable people and continue to work closely with partners to tackle Modern Slavery and exploitation.” Marie Olo, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “Isaiah Olugosi recruited, coached and transported teenage girls around the country to commit refund fraud in High Street stores. “The girls were selected because they were vulnerable with difficult backgrounds or mental health problems, and when they were caught, he was perfectly willing to step back and let them face arrest and potential prosecution. “When he learned the police had discovered his involvement he tried desperately but unsuccessfully to destroy evidence and hide money. “Exploiting others for criminal gain is a serious criminal offence and wherever possible the CPS will work with police to help victims escape the clutches of modern slavery, while prosecuting the people who have pulled the strings. More Fraud Cases Travel Fraud Lawyer Jailed For fraud Bank Employee Fraud article source
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£1m worth of counterfeit notes1/21/2022 Man convicted after being found with £1m worth of counterfeit notes A man has been found guilty of possessing more than £1 million worth of counterfeit notes. Emil Bogdan Savastru, 31 (31.10.90) of no fixed address, was convicted of one count of having custody or control of a counterfeit note following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He will be sentenced at the same court on 10 February 2022. On 30 January 2020, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command executed a search warrant at a residential address on Shetland Road, E3. During their search, a bag was found containing one million pounds worth of counterfeit £50 and 200 euro notes in large suitcases. Officers seized the property and shared the notes with the Bank of England, who examined them and confirmed they were counterfeit. Later the same day, Savastru was arrested at London Heathrow Airport while waiting to board a flight to Japan after documents he left at the scene linked him to the crime. When questioned, he refused to explain how the notes were in his possession, where he had got them from, or what he was planning to do with them. Detective Constable Andrew Payne, who led the investigation, said: “Our proactive operation means we have been able to take a significant quantity of counterfeit notes out of circulation. Without a doubt, these notes would have been used to commit further crimes across the UK.
“This successful prosecution relied heavily on the close working between the Met and the Bank of England, leaving little doubt that Savastru was guilty of these offences. “Counterfeit currency in the UK harms the economy and has a real, significant impact on businesses who take possession of it unknowingly. As this prosecution shows, we will take action against anyone engaged in this type of criminality.” + You can find more information on how to check your banknotes on the Bank of England’s website. source
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The Met teamed together with five other police forces to target those involved in drug supply, operating on the road and rail networks near county borders.
The three-day operation, badged Operation Pandilla, saw officers from the Met work alongside with Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent and British Transport Police. Officers deployed to hotspot areas based on intelligence and used Automatic Number Plate Recognition to target vehicles which activated the technology and showed a link to violence and associated crimes. Youth workers from the charity Bounce Back, who interact with young offenders offering support and guidance to help them find ways out of criminal lifestyles, also joined the operation, working in dedicated custody suites providing immediate intervention. The operation, which ran between 11-13 January, resulted in (MPS results only):
Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who led the operation, said: “Tackling violent crime and the supply of drugs is a top priority, which includes targeting the drivers which fuel. “The key aim of this operation was to stop drugs and weapons being brought onto the streets. Preventing these crimes, while also safeguarding vulnerable individuals on the cusp of violence, is paramount. “As part of this operation, young people received instant support, independent of police. This type of collaborative approach can have a real impact on finding longer-term solutions reducing violent crime.” + Officers from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) were supported by the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), Met Intelligence, the Dog Support Unit and the National Police Air Service (NPAS). Op Pandilla was deployed to these specific hotspot areas across London:
+ Last year, January to December 2021 (Calendar Year), compared to the same period prior to the pandemic in 2019, saw:
If you have any information about drug crime or violence, please contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – your anonymity is guaranteed. They are a totally independent charity and you remain 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or device you use. Alternatively, visit their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/. the drug files
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Police in Westminster have arrested five people and seized ten cars following a weekend car meet in central London. Following hundreds of complaints from residents in the community regarding the ongoing issues of noise and dangerous driving, officers from Central West Command Unit and officers from the Road Transport Policing Command, launched an operation to tackle this anti-social behaviour (ASB). This focussed on areas around the St James, Kensington and Knightsbridge areas The operation ran from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 January. On Friday evening officers made three arrests, two people who failed roadside drug tests and one man found to be wanted for robbery. Three vehicles were seized for no insurance and a number of people reported for various traffic offences. On Saturday there was one arrest for failing a roadside drugs test and three vehicles were seized, two for no insurance and one that was reported as stolen. Where a vehicle is seen to be behaving in an anti-social manner officers can issue a section 59 warning which is recorded against both the vehicle and the driver. If either the vehicle or driver is caught committing vehicle based anti-social behaviour again, then that vehicle can be seized. One vehicle causing ASB had already received a prior section 59 warning and so was seized immediately. Thirty nine other vehicles involved either have or will be issued section 59 warnings as a result of the police operation.
Officers are continuing to review video footage captured including footage from council cameras and acoustic cameras, and further warnings are likely to be made. Furthermore all of those drivers will be issued with Community Protection Notice Warnings, which is another power available to tackle anti-social behaviour. Another arrest was made when a driver was found to be disqualified from driving. In total ten vehicles were seized during the course of the operation. Chief Inspector James Johnson, Westminster Borough said: “These are London streets but some people choose to use them as racetracks. These car meets are noisy, anti-social and often downright dangerous. People should not have to listen to cars doing doughnuts in their road in the early hours of the morning and this operation was part of our continuing plan to tackle this anti-social behaviour. "Those who participate in such events can expect to be reported for driving offences and face having their car seized. We are determined to stop this behaviour and our message is clear - if you come to central London to drive in a dangerous manner, be prepared to take the bus home.”
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A man who used a dating app to target and rob men after having sex with them has been sentenced to five years' in jail. Detectives are now appealing for others who may have been exploited by him to come forward. Anouar Sabbar, 28 (1.1.94), of Cole Street, Southwark was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 20 January. He pleaded guilty to robbery, theft, five counts of blackmail and five counts of fraud at the same court on 8 November 2021. Sabbar would seek out and meet men who have sex with men on Grindr, a dating app for gay, bi and trans people. After consensual sex, Sabbar would state he was an escort and demanded money from the victims. He also threatened to use violence or blackmail in order to intimidate the men, whose ages varied from 25-57-years-old. He stole a total of £2,360 between April 2019 and June 2021 from the victims. Once he got the money, Sabbar would block the victim’s profile on the app, which automatically removed the online conversation for both parties, making it difficult for him to be traced. Sabbar would swap his SIM cards and mobile phone number regularly and often changed his hairstyle so he wasn’t recognised. During one of the incidents, a victim refused to pay Sabbar so he told him someone will visit his address and beat him up. In another incident, Sabbar threatened to tell the victim’s girlfriend about their sexual encounter and disclose their chat history and photographs if he did not make payments. An officer investigating a robbery of one the victim’s in Tower Hamlets identified Sabbar as the suspect. She then compared similar offences and identified Sabbar from various phone numbers, addresses, aliases and usernames used. Once it was determined Sabbar was the suspect for the offences, a manhunt to arrest him began. On Tuesday, 31 July officers attended his home address. He was not at the address so they went to his place of work and spoke to colleagues, who provided a current phone number. An officer called him and Sabbar swore at her, telling her they would never catch him.
Later that day, officers found another address for Sabbar in Southwark through intelligence checks and he was arrested. A subsequent analysis of his phone revealed evidence of further incidents of the same nature. Sabbar gave a no comment interview and was charged with 23 offences including robbery, theft, blackmail and fraud. he was remanded into custody. Detective Inspector Arif Sharif said: “The victims in this case have been incredibly brave in coming forward and reporting the offences Sabbar committed against them. “Sabbar is a nasty and spineless individual who used Grindr to target victims and used their vulnerabilities against them. “It is with thanks to the officer who diligently carried out the investigation that this dangerous offender has been taken off the streets. “There may be others who were exploited by Sabbar who until now have felt unable to tell anyone. Please get in touch with us – we are here to listen to you and will take what you say incredibly seriously. You will be treated with sensitivity and in confidence. “In situations such as this, the Met is focused on the motive and behaviour of the offender, rather than the behaviour of the victim. I would therefore urge anyone who has been a victim of crime following a meet on Grindr or similar platforms to speak to us directly quoting Op Fardella. Alternatively contact us through a third party support group such as Galop or reach out 100% anonymously using the independent charity Crimestoppers.” Superintendent Martin Kirby the Met’s Lead for Hate Crime said: “We do not tolerate the targeting of victims based on their sexuality or gender, or perceived sexuality or gender, and anyone who does come forward to disclose an allegation of crime of this nature will be treated sensitively and in confidence. “We are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to protect the identities of victims in these cases, recognising that some victims may not identify as gay or bisexual or be ‘out’ to friends or relatives, perhaps because of cultural reasons. I can also fully appreciate that some victims may feel embarrassed about coming forward, or are perhaps nervous about speaking to a police officer due to other factors. We are doing all we can, by working closely with other agencies, to give victims the support that is right for them. “In the Met we have 125 volunteer LGBT+ advisers who speak to our communities, listen to their concerns and encourage them to report crime. We’re working to recruit more and reviewing their role to make sure they are working in the best way possible for our communities. We have also set up a new LGBT+ Organisational Improvement Group, with stakeholders from across London, to ensure the Met understands and meets the needs of LGBT+ Londoners.” If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim, please call 101 quoting Op Fardella. In an emergency always call 999. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org. You can also contact the charity Galop by calling their LGBT+ hate crime helpline on 0207 704 2040 or visiting galop.org.uk. More: Women attacked in hotel rooms
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A dangerous man who sexually assaulted lone women in hotel rooms has been jailed.
On Thursday, 9 December, Hugo Delgado, 22 (10.08.99) of Navestock Crescent, Woodford Green appeared at Wood Green Crown Court where he was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. He had previously been found guilty, following a trial which concluded on 3 August, of assault by penetration, sexual assault and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. He will spend a further four years on licence and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. The court heard how on the evening of 6 October 2019 at a hotel in Shoreditch, Delgado approached a lone woman and claims the room she was entering was actually his. The woman, who was aged in her 50s, showed him her key card and told him to discuss the issue with reception. At 22:51hrs, Delgado told reception staff he was the woman's husband and that he'd left his key in the room. They gave him a key card which he used to enter the room when he returned to the hotel just over four hours later at around 03:00hrs. Sometime after 05:00hrs, the woman was awoken by Delgado after he had sexually assaulted her. He was completely naked. She screamed and shouted for him to leave. He put his clothes on and fled. Police attended and viewed CCTV footage which showed Delgado leaving the hotel at 05:25hrs. An investigation by the Met’s Sapphire Unit was launched. At around 04:45hrs on 12 October 2019, a woman in her 20s who had been on a night out with friends in Shoreditch was approached in the street by Delgado. She walked off in the direction of Old Street and he followed behind. The next memory the woman had was waking up in a hotel room and witnessing Delgado performing a sexual act. She had also been sexually assaulted. The incident was reported to police later that morning. When officers went to the hotel they found Delgado in the room and arrested him. Enquiries revealed that earlier the same night, Delgado had tried to obtain key cards for two rooms at the hotel where the assault took place. He gave the wrong name for one of the rooms and the other wasn't occupied. He didn't manage to get keys for either room. The data from the room lock indicates that when he did finally gain access, it was because the door was open. The offences were committed at different hotels. In December 2019, officers from the Met’s Visual Images Identification and Detections Office (VIIDO) identified Delgado as the suspect from footage taken in the lift area of the first hotel. On 31 July 2020 he was charged with sexual assault, exposure and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. He appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody. On 24 February 2021, he was further charged with assault by penetration, attempted sexual assault and exposure in relation to the second victim. The charges followed a year-long investigation during which detectives went to great lengths to reassure witnesses who showed admirable bravery in giving evidence. Their participation was key in allowing the case to proceed. Accused of sexual assault ? The second victim provided an impact statement to the court in which she said: “He will go to prison but prison is a place like any other for someone with no ethics, values, ambitions or goals. Meanwhile, I am left with hours and hours of therapy, police phone calls, reminders of a trauma I hope will not follow me for the rest of my life and a challenge to find myself again and pick up from where I left off, despite what I'm still going through. “I still don’t know what happened to me and I’m not sure I want the police to tell me. All I need to know is that no one deserves this - no matter who they are, where they are and the state they are in. I’ve always been incredibly careful with whom I give my body. It had to be an act of love because otherwise, it went against my values and principles. Being raped smashed these principles, along with everything I was built on." Detective Constable Rob Johnston, the investigating officer from Sapphire Investigations, said: “It is undeniable that a very dangerous man has been taken off the streets. “I commend both of the victims for their courage and commitment in supporting the case. Without their support Delgado may have put further women at risk. "There is no doubt it is difficult for victims to report these offences and recount their experiences. We have specially trained officers dedicated to providing ongoing support, care and guidance. I’m satisfied with the outcome of the trial but I fully appreciate that these incidents may have lifelong effects on the victims. “I would encourage any further victims who have been assaulted but not reported the incident to come forward.” Whilst on remand awaiting trial, Delgado was charged with one count of exposure which was committed against a female prison officer. He pleaded guilty to this offence on the same day he was convicted in relation to the incidents detailed above. Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape or who has information about an offender, can contact police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999. There are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed. Can you be convicted for historical sexual offences ? Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support, can be found online. Source
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Man sentenced to hospital order after driving car into front counter at Edmonton Police Station11/19/2021 A man who drove a car into the front office doors at Edmonton Police Station has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.
Adam Pawlowski, 46 (07.08.75), of Bury Street, Enfield, was also disqualified from driving for 12 months with requirement to take an extended vehicle test at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 18 November. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to dangerous driving, criminal damage and attempted arson reckless to life being endangered. A charge of attempted arson with intent to endanger life was left to lie on file. Major Police Incident Declared A major police incident was declared at around 19:00hrs on 11 November 2020 after a car slammed into the doors of the police station before the driver revved the engines, filling the front office with smoke. The driver then got out of the car and retrieved a canister of petrol from the back of the car. He threw some into the front office before pouring it on the pavement and road around the car before setting it alight. The man was apprehended by a member of the public as uniformed officers rushed to the scene. Pawlowski was quickly arrested and officers extinguished the fire. Fortunately no one in the street or in the front office was hurt, and there was no serious damage to the building. Building Evacuated The building was evacuated as a precaution. The incident was assessed and it was determined there were no links to terrorism. Pawlowski, a Polish national, was taken into custody and said he had been planning the incident for around two-and-a-half years, choosing the date and time because the numbers '1' and '7' (as in the time) were personally significant to him. It was established that Pawlowski held a grudge against police following previous interactions he had had, including one in which his car was stolen and never found after a police investigation. The judge commented on the sense of ‘shock, disbelief and fear which unfolded’, and also commended officers for the speed and professionalism of their response in what was a frightening and confusing situation. Police Comment Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, head of policing for Haringey and Enfield, said: "When shown parts of the footage during police interview Pawlowski laughed, but the actions he took that day could have had devastating consequences. “The officers who responded were confronted with a chaotic and frightening scenario but acted with the utmost courage and bravery to swiftly detain Pawlowski. “Following the incident support was provided to the staff who man our front counter, who were going about their work when this distressing ordeal unfolded. Very luckily, no one was injured. “The member of the public who helped apprehend Pawlowski left the scene was never traced, despite extensive efforts. I’d like to extend our thanks to them for their bravery in assisting my officers. if you need help speak with our Solicitors in Sheffield source
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A man has been jailed for rape and indecency with a child after being found guilty of non-recent sexual abuse.
Graham Harrison, 56, (13/09/1965) of Newport St, Ryde, Isle of Wight was sentenced on Friday, 17 September following a two week trial at Wood Green Court in August. Harrison had pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty, after a unanimous verdict by the jury of: -Three counts of rape -Two counts of indecency with a child He was sentenced at the same court to six years in prison The court heard Harrison was aged between 14 and 17-years-old when he committed the multiple offences. The crimes took place in north London between 1979 and 1983 and started when the girl was just seven-years-old. It was during time when they were left alone that Harrison would make the little girl touch him sexually and also rape her. The victim came forward to police in 2017, more than 35 years after the initial offences, and an investigation was launched. DC Adam Downs, from the Serious Sexual Offences Team, based at Holborn Police Station, said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for the Metropolitan Police Service. “Rape and other serious sexual offences are devastating crimes that can have a lasting impact on victims, their families and communities. “The sentence is a reminder that historic sexual abuse will always be taken seriously. It is never too late to report these types of offences. I would like to thank the victim for her strength and perseverance. “I would urge anyone who has been a victim to please report it. We will do all we can to investigate, so that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims receive the appropriate support. “We have specially trained officers who work closely with highly skilled, specialist and emphatic partners to ensure that anyone who has experienced rape, or sexual assault, can have the access they need.” Source
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A convicted child sex offender has been further sentenced for sexual offences against boys.
Peter Graham Wells, 75 (08.07.46) of no fixed address, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 10 September 2021. The court heard that Wells carried out the sexual abuse when he was employed as a teacher at a school in Enfield in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Wells admitted two counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14, and five counts of Indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14. sexual assault accusations ? He was given a further sentence of an additional 12 months imprisonment, with subsequent sentencing to run concurrent to his original sentence. The offences were committed against two boys and took place between 1977 and 1986. These were reported to police in 2018 and 2019, after Wells had been jailed for similar offences for which he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in December 2018. Detective Constable Keith Kimberley said: “I am in no doubt that this man is a dangerous sexual predator and he poses an ongoing threat to children. “He caused unforgivable trauma to the children he abused and the only appropriate way for him to spend the next years of his life is in prison, and away from the general public. “As far as we can be sure of, Wells offended over a period of several decades and my respect goes out to the victims and their families who were put through so much. “The Public Protection teams across the Met work relentlessly to identify sexual offenders and prevent any harm coming to potential victims. In cases where predators gain access to victims and carry out abuse, we are also here to ensure they face justice.” Anyone who wishes to come forward and report a sexual offence, can do so in confidence. The Met has specially trained officers to investigate these types of cases and support victims through the criminal justice process.
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Lawyer jailed for fraud9/20/2021 Summary of the Case Below: This case centres on Joshua Brien, a 48-year-old lawyer, who was found guilty of defrauding two companies he worked for, totalling over £600,000. The trial occurred at Southwark Crown Court, and Brien was convicted of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of fraud by false representation.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. The court heard that Brien used his extensive knowledge of an internal payment system to defraud the Commonwealth Secretariat of around £150,000. He was employed by the company from 2004 to 2016 as the sole liaison for a contractor. Using a fake email address similar to the contractor's, Brien directed funds meant for the contractor into a rogue bank account he had set up in Australia. Brien then joined Cooley UK LLP in 2017, where he further committed fraud. He directed payments intended for the firm into his account, leading to over £400,000 of the client's money being stolen. He also defrauded a second client, channelling around £90,000 into his accounts. Part of the Law: The primary legal issues, in this case, pertain to criminal law, specifically laws related to fraud. Fraud by abuse of position (under Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006) occurs when someone occupies a position in which they are expected to safeguard the financial interests of another person and abuses that position for personal gain or to cause loss to another. Fraud by false representation (under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006) occurs when a person dishonestly makes a false representation, intending to gain for themselves or another or to cause loss or risk of loss to another. Possible Outcomes or Sentencing: If Brien had not been convicted, the case could have potentially resulted in acquittal, given the burden of proof required in criminal law. However, the successful conviction largely depends on the strength and availability of the evidence linking him to the fraudulent activities. It might have resulted in a reduced sentence if he had cooperated or pleaded guilty early on. The courts usually consider early admissions of guilt as a mitigating factor in sentencing. On the other hand, if there were aggravating factors such as previous convictions, mainly related to fraud or dishonesty, this could have led to a longer sentence. Given the severe breach of trust and the significant amount involved, the seven-and-a-half-year sentence is within the typical range for this kind of offence. However, it is essential to remember that the specifics of sentencing guidelines can vary based on several factors. Further Analysis and Insights: Joshua Brien's case is a classic example of "white collar" crime, crimes committed by individuals in higher social classes during their occupation. As a legal professional, Brien was in a position of trust and had access to sensitive financial information. His actions resulted in significant financial loss for his employers and their clients, undermining trust in him as an individual and potentially impacting the reputation of the companies he worked for. One critical aspect of this case is the violation of professional ethics. Lawyers are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Misappropriation of client funds is one of the most severe breaches of professional conduct that a lawyer can commit, leading to criminal charges and potential disbarment from the profession. Moreover, this case illustrates the potential dangers of internal fraud within businesses and the importance of robust internal controls and regular audits. Brien perpetrated this fraud over a significant period due to his intricate understanding of the companies' payment systems and processes. Alternative legal consequences could have included an order for Brien to compensate the victims of his fraud. Depending on his financial circumstances, a confiscation order might also have been made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, forcing him to repay the money he fraudulently obtained. In sum, this case reinforces the importance of maintaining stringent financial controls within companies, regardless of the trust placed on senior employees. Furthermore, it underscores the severe consequences that legal professionals can face when they abuse their positions, both from a criminal and a professional standpoint. A lawyer who defrauded two companies he worked for out of over £600,000 has been convicted of fraud offences following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. Joshua Brien – 48 (14.02.73) formerly of Darnley Terrace, W11 was found guilty of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of fraud by false representation on 26 August. He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 10 September to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison. The jury heard how Brien used his intrinsic knowledge of an internal system used to make payments to contractors to defraud the Commonwealth Secretariat out of around £150,000. Brien was employed by the company between 2004 and 2016, when he was dismissed for an unrelated offence. During his time, he was the sole liaison for a contractor who had been employed on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat to carry out work on their behalf. Brien fabricated correspondence using a fake email address he had set up that was very similar to the genuine one used by the contractor. In this ‘correspondence’ he channelled the funds intended to be paid to the contractor into a rogue bank account in Australia that Brien had set up specifically to carry out the fraud. It was only after Brien had left the company that the fraud was discovered. By that time, Brien had moved to another company called Cooley UK LLP, obtaining the job in 2017 having lied on his application form that he hadn’t been dismissed at any previous employer. While employed there, he acted as a lawyer for an ongoing arbitration case involving a marine salvage company. Brien used his personal bank – similar to the method he had used in his previous fraud – and told the client to forward payments to this account. It was only after police arrested Brien for the offence committed at his previous employer that Cooley UK LLP discovered that over £400,000 had been paid from this client to his personal bank account. Brien’s manager had also been alerted after he met with the client’s representative and raised the issue of apparent unpaid fees – money which had been paid in good faith by the client but unknowingly stolen by Brien. Brien also defrauded a second client while employed at Cooley; this time to the figure of around £90,000. Again, Brien alluded to be acting on behalf of the firm but instead channelled the money into his own accounts. Police were called in and Brien was arrested on 29 October 2019 before being charged with multiple fraud offences. Detective Constable Mark Bunning of the Met’s Economic and Specialist Crime Team said: “Joshua Brien used his knowledge of the internal reporting systems of the companies who employed him to carry out significant fraud. “He used the employ of his companies to operate in plain sight; carrying out protracted fraudulent activities for his own personal gain. “However, due the diligent and dedicated work of the police, Brien has been convicted and will now face to consequences of his actions.” More Fraud Cases Travel Fraud Modern Slavery & Fraud Bank Employee Fraud source
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Summary of the Case Below:
Abel Buafo, a 23-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison after posting videos on social media where he brandished a knife at a nightclub in North London. Buafo was found guilty of a range of charges, including possession of a knife, Class A and B drugs (MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis), criminal property, and involvement in the supply of a Class A drug (cocaine). Police were alerted to Buafo's behaviour by Snapchat videos, where he was seen dancing, singing, and waving a black folding knife around the nightclub. He was also seen dropping the knife, picking it up, and repeatedly flicking it open. Buafo referred to the knife as his "blicky" in the videos, slang for a knife. Later, Buafo posted another Snapchat video outside the club, defiantly stating he didn't care about the police and had his "blicky" with him. He followed this up with another post in which he lamented losing his "shank," another term for a knife. Upon searching his home, officers found a plethora of drug paraphernalia, cannabis, MDMA pills, and a large amount of counterfeit money. Also, the police found a Rambo-style knife and a white powder in the sink that was later identified as phenacetin, commonly used as a cutting agent for making crack cocaine. Further investigation led officers to another property connected to Buafo, where they found more cannabis, cocaine, and evidence of drug supply. Buafo refused to comment during his police interview but was later charged and convicted for his crimes. Further Analysis and Insights: This case illustrates the dangers of social media misuse and the link between drug-related activities and violence. Buafo's brazen display of a knife in a public space such as a nightclub is an affront to public safety, exhibiting an apparent disregard for the law. The fact that he was so brazen as to film and post this activity on Snapchat indicates a sense of invincibility or lack of concern about the potential legal consequences. This case is a reminder that evidence of criminal behaviour on social media platforms can and will be used in court. Moreover, Buafo's case showcases the intricate relationship between drug-related offences and violent crime. The presence of drugs, cash, drug paraphernalia, and offensive weapons in his home points to an individual heavily involved in the drug trade, which often goes hand-in-hand with violent behaviour. Finally, this case underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling violent crime and drug offences. The conviction and sentencing of Buafo send a strong message to others that such behaviour will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. Possibilities for Defending Solicitors In defending Abel Buafo, his solicitors could have adopted several strategies depending on the circumstances and the available evidence. Here are a few possibilities:
The Case A man has been jailed after he brazenly filmed himself on social media with a knife in a north London nightclub. Abel Buafo, 23 (25.08.97), of Berry Lane, Lambeth, was sentenced on Friday, 17 September at Inner London Crown Court to six years and four months' imprisonment. Buafo pleaded guilty to numerous offences between 12 March 2020 and Thursday, 29 July, including possession of a knife, possession of Class A drugs (MDMA and cocaine), possession of a Class B drug (cannabis), possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug (cocaine). The court heard that detectives were alerted to Snapchat videos of Buafo at a nightclub on Silver Street in Enfield, on 22 December 2019 where he recorded himself in ‘selfie style’ waving a black folding knife around the venue. Officers reviewed CCTV from the nightclub for the same evening which corroborated the Snapchat footage. The footage showed Buafo dancing and singing while waving the knife around, pointing it at his phone’s camera as well as towards people. The footage also showed Buafo ‘fist bumping’ people while holding the knife. firearms and knife offences solicitors He is seen several times to get the knife out of his pocket and flick it open – at one point he is seen to drop it on the floor before picking it up. In the Snapchat footage, he says he has his ‘blicky at the rave,’ while holding the knife up to the camera. Blicky is a slang term for knife. In Snapchat footage of Buafo outside the club, he states ‘I’ve got my blicky on me.’ His friend nudges him and says ‘shhh’ to which Buafo replies ‘I don’t even care about the feds bruv, on my mum’s life.’ Later that day he posted an image on Snapchat looking sad with the caption ‘lost my shank.’ Shank is also a slang term for knife. On 11 February 2020, officers forced entry to his home address on Berry Lane. Upon entry, officers noticed that the sink was overflowing with a number of plates, which had a white coloured layer of bubbles forming on them. Officers noted that they were not ‘typical washing-up bubbles’ but something derived from a diluted powder of chemical – giving the impression that Buafo had hurriedly flushed something down the sink. Officers took a sample of the white powder in the sink, which was found to be phenacetin, a well-known cutting agent for making crack cocaine. Officers searched the property and found an overwhelming amount of drugs paraphernalia as well as scales, snap bags, a hydraulic press, cannabis and MDMA pills. Officers also found £225 in cash and £1,200 in counterfeit cash, as well as a Rambo-style knife. Officers also searched another address linked to Buafo on Walworth Road, SE1, where they found a large bag of cannabis, 903mg of cocaine, two scales and snap bags. Buafo was arrested and taken to a south London police station where he offered no prepared statement and answered no comment to all questions put to him – even when he was shown the CCTV and Snapchat footage. Detectives examined Buafo’s phone where they found evidence of drug supply going back to September 2018 as well as evidence of him living a lavish lifestyle with a photo album of expensive items. He was subsequently charged on 12 February 2020 and was convicted as above. Detective Sergeant Raymond Sekalongo, the investigating officer who was on the Central South’s Proactive Investigations team at the time, said: “Buafo was arrogant enough to think he was above the law and thought he could not only take a knife into a nightclub – but broadcast himself on social media doing it. "Buafo was wrong not to ‘care about the feds,’ because the Met is absolutely committed to taking offensive weapons and drugs off the streets of London. “The knife in the nightclub and the Rambo knife found in Buafo’s address is yet another example of the intractable link between drug supply and violence. Those carrying weapons and supplying drugs should expect a visit from us in the near future.” source
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A man has been sentenced for causing the death of 28-year-old Mohammed Osman by careless driving in Hounslow last year.
Shahriyar Mahoutchian, 30 (19.03.81) of Ascot, Berkshire, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, 17 September. The sentence was reduced from 12 months for his early guilty plea. Mahoutchian was also disqualified from driving for two years and two months until he passes an extended test. what are the normal careless driving charge. The court heard that on Wednesday 10 April 2019 at around 18:15hrs, the victim attempted to cross the westbound lane of Bath Road. Witnesses reported that as the light turned green, three pedestrians - the first being Mohammed Osman - stepped onto the road and started to walk across it. Suddenly the other two men stepped back and at the same time the victim was struck by a fast approaching car driven by Mahoutchian. He was driving at approximately 35 mph. Mohamed was thrown into the air and fell onto the road a short distance away, suffering catastrophic injuries. A number of witnesses rushed to assist the victim including a patrolling police car. Despite attempts to save his life by London Ambulance Service and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Mohammed never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene. Manoutchian stopped at the scene and identified himself as the driver. A drugs and drink test was negative. In a post mortem, conducted on 16 April 2019, the primary cause of death was recorded as head injuries. Mahoutchian was interviewed under caution. CCTV and phone records were presented but he denied driving dangerously, giving no comment to all questions asked during the interview. Phone records established multiple activity on Mahoutchian's phone within the timeframe of the collision with final connection terminating at the time victim was struck. As such, the Forensic Collision Reconstruction Report concluded that the collision occurred within the timeframe the defendant’s phone was active. The report concluded there were no obstructions to the defendant’s view and there were no mechanical defects of the vehicle he was driving which could contribute to the collision. It was also determined that the sequence of the traffic lights was red for the oncoming traffic when the collision occurred. Mahoutchian was charged with causing death by careless driving on 15 February 2021. DC Dariusz Alexander from the Serious Collisions Investigations Unit led the investigation said: “The carelessness of Mahoutchian's driving that day cost the life of a young man. It has caused immeasurable suffering to his family and friends and the result today marks the end of a protracted investigation to bring them justice. I hope they can now begin to move forwards, treasuring his memory. "The witnesses made a reference to traffic lights being red to oncoming vehicles and that Mahoutchian did not make any effort to slow down or stop when he collided with Mohammed Osman. "The report also found activity ongoing on his mobile phone in the lead up and during the time of the collision. Whatever decision Mahoutchian made that day will remain with him for the rest of his life and I hope this sends a message to everyone on the roads to remain vigilant and focused on their surroundings. Looking down at your phone - even for a second - can quite literally cost a life." Solicitors Sheffield source
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Man who flaunted driving ban is jailed9/20/2021 A man who took to social media to brag about his perceived evasion of police while driving illegally has been jailed following a successful investigation by the Met’s Road Crime Team.
Danny Simpson, 31 (02.11.89), of The Meadows, Gravesend, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 14 September at City of London Magistrates’ Court to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. He was sentenced at the same court to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, ordered to pay a total of £328 in fines, and further disqualified from driving for 21 months. Driving Without Insurance Solicitor The court heard that in November 2020, Simpson was assigned to the Road Crime Team as a high harm offender after displaying an increasing pattern of dangerous behaviour on roads across London, Kent and Essex. Despite having been disqualified from driving mostly since 2006, Simpson had continued to drive illegally while taking to his social media channels to brag about his perceived evasion of police. Having been convicted of driving whilst disqualified 12 times previously, Simpson continued to show a blatant disregard for the law. On 2 December 2020, Road Crime Team officers located a Range Rover parked outside a restaurant in Mayfair. After recognising the vehicle, officers began making enquiries to establish its owner. During this time, Simpson exited the restaurant and approached officers, mocking them while dictating that they would not be able to prove he was the driver of the vehicle. An investigation by the Road Crime Team uncovered sufficient evidence to prove that Simpson was indeed the driver of the vehicle. CCTV and witness statements clearly corroborated Simpson arriving in the driver’s seat of the Range Rover and entering the restaurant. Open source work also found evidence on social media which showed him driving to the restaurant in a distinctive blue and white t-shirt. Simpson was arrested on 21 December 2020 and in interview, chose to make no comment before becoming disruptive and refusing to be interviewed any further. Due to the overwhelming evidence compiled by the Met’s Road Crime Team, he was charged as above. On 1 March 2021 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court Simpson initially pleaded not guilty and elected to take the matter to trial. A few days prior to the trial, and likely due to the overwhelming visual evidence gathered by the Road Crime Team, Simpson changed his plea to guilty. Road Crime Team Established in April 2020 in a bid to crack down on serious offences committed on London’s roads, the Met’s Road Crime Team have made hundreds of arrests in the 18 months since launching. Based in central London, the team deploys seven days-a-week in marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as on motorcycles, across London. The team conducts a wide range of operations, including proactive use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), intercepting criminals and wanted offenders, and focused deployments in the Met’s priority crime areas working alongside the Violent Crime Task Force, Territorial Support Group and Dog Section. Inspector Danny Mount, of the Met’s Road Crime Team, said: “It is clear in this case that Danny Simpson had no regard for the law or anybody else’s safety. “Such is Simpson’s blatant disregard for the law by continuing to drive whilst disqualified, a custodial sentence was imposed by the court. “Simpson was arrogant enough to think he would not get caught. This is clearly not the case. “Officers from the Road Crime Team will continue to work tirelessly and relentlessly to remove dangerous drivers, like Simpson, from London’s roads. I hope he uses his time in prison to reconsider his attitude to driving, which could have resulted in serious harm to the public.” source
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Three teenagers have been found guilty of the murder of 17-year-old Anas Mezenner in Tottenham. The three defendants, all aged 17, appeared before the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 August where they were convicted as follows: [A] was found guilty of the manslaughter of Anas Mezenner and grievous bodily harm [GBH] with unlawful wounding in relation to a second 17-year-old male who was also stabbed during the incident. [B] was found guilty of the murder of Anas Mezenner and GBH wounding with intent in relation to a second 17-year-old male who was also stabbed during the incident. [C] was found guilty of the manslaughter of Anas Mezenner. All three are remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Thursday, 30 September. manslaughter vs murder The court heard how Anas was with a group of three friends in the area around West Green Road on the evening of Tuesday, 19 January. At around 21:00hrs Anas and his friends were confronted by the suspects in Willow Walk, N15 who were armed with at least three knives. In the ensuing attack, Anas was stabbed and assaulted and left for dead. His three friends were chased and although they managed to escape, one of them received a stab wound to the back. Police and London Ambulance Service were called to the scene and found Anas collapsed in the street. He was taken to hospital; however – despite the best efforts of medical staff, Anas died in the early hours of the following morning. An investigation was launched and following an analysis of the scene vital evidence was recovered. A Chrysler vehicle was found parked in nearby Milton Road – it was searched and two large knives were recovered inside. Forensic analysis of the vehicle yielded fingerprints belonging to two of the defendants. CCTV analysis of the surrounding area was secured and was found to show the three defendants in the moments before and after the attack. On Wednesday, 20 January a warrant was executed at an address in Turnpike Lane and [A] and [B] were arrested. A search of the address recovered another knife and clothing that could link to the suspects shown on CCTV. An analysis of a mobile phone seized from [A] also revealed messages describing the fatal attack. On Wednesday, 27 January a further warrant was executed in Tottenham and [C] was arrested. A further knife was recovered at this address. In police interview, two of the suspects refused to answer questions but [A] provided a prepared statement claiming he was at a friend’s house on the night of the murder and never left; this was plainly untrue as CCTV had identified him at the scene. All three males were subsequently charged with Anas’s murder and GBH for the attack on his friend. Detective Inspector Louise Caveen from the Met’s Specialist Crime said: “This was a clinical and violent attack that left a young man with fatal injuries. In a matter of seconds, Anas was stabbed, assaulted and left to die on the street - another example of a young life needlessly lost as a result of knives being on our streets. “While we have not been able to establish exactly why Anas was attacked, we believe the confrontation took place as a result of an incident, some years before, where one of Anas’s group had had their phone taken. "Whilst Anas and his friends may have anticipated a confrontation, they did not attend the location armed with knives with the intent of using lethal force as the suspects did. “The loss of Anas has been devastating for his family and I sincerely hope they can take a small measure of comfort in knowing that those responsible for his death have been held to account.” + A 14-year-old male [D] was found not guilty of all counts at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 August. Banned knife guidelines source
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A convicted terrorist offender who broke the conditions of his release by not telling police his new employer had given him access to vehicles is going back to jail.
Andrew Rowe, 50, (29.07.1971) of St John’s Wood, London, was jailed for ten months on Thursday, 29 July. This followed an investigation by officers from the Met’s Terrorist Offender Management Unit (TOMU) which began after it came to light that in August 2019, Rowe had failed to declare access to vehicles. Having registered with an employment agency to work as an HGV driver, Rowe accepted work with Serco, driving refuse lorries on behalf a local authority. Because he didn’t inform police of the access to the refuse lorries with a certain time period, he broke one of the conditions of his release, leading to the police investigation. On 4 February 2020, charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service and on 18 March 2020, he appeared in court where he denied the charges. The case was referred to the Central Criminal Court and on 29 March 2021, Rowe admitted to nine counts of breaching a Part 4 notification under the Counter Terrorism Act 2008. During this time, Rowe had been remanded on bail by the court. new laws on terrorism Acting Commander Kevin Southworth, SO15, said: “This was a very serious breach and is exactly why the work of our Terrorism Offender Management Unit is so crucial. Our priority is to keep the public safe, and the requirements for terrorism offenders released into the community are so strict for this reason. “Rowe was obliged to report the access to the vehicles within three days which he did not, therefore we took action to investigate and bring him before the court. “Upon his release, Rowe will continue to be managed by police.” + Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999. Visit the ACT Early website at www.actearly.uk to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect has been radicalised, or is vulnerable. more terrorism offenders jailed
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A former music teacher has been convicted of 32 sexual offences against young girls.
Ben Breakwell, 40 (17.10.1980) of Monkgate, York, was convicted on Monday, 2 August after a trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on a date to be determined. From 2014 until the end of 2017, Breakwell worked at a school in west London. The court heard how he abused his position as a music teacher to engage his young pupils in sexual activity. The offences related to sexual activity with three girls whose ages ranged from 13 to 16 and indecent images of a fourth. falsely accused of sexual harassment ? As Breakwell's offences came to light, a pattern emerged showing how he carefully groomed the girls in order take advantage of them. Breakwell began a full sexual relationship with two of his victims when they were aged just 13 and 14. A third victim, who was the object of Breakwell's attention, received flattery and supportive messages from him. During a lesson, Breakwell took advantage of their proximity to kiss her. The girl was upset and later told her friends and then her mother who confronted Breakwell. Breakwell denied he had deliberately kissed her. The victim later told police that she felt guilty about what had happened as she had bought him a box of sweets as a thank you present and thought that this may have encouraged him. She was also worried that there was nothing to support her account if she decided to tell the school. For these reasons no formal complaint was made. However, in September 2017, the friends of one of the victims approached a member of school staff. They told him of their suspicion about this inappropriate relationship involving Breakwell, The school immediately suspended him, police were alerted and an investigation began, led by specialist officers from the West Area Command Unit. After gathering evidence and speaking to the victims, Breakwell was arrested in November 2017. A search of his computer uncovered indecent images of another victim who did not live in this country, this girl was successfully traced by investigating officers and she and her family have been spoken to. Breakwell was interviewed about the matters, but denied that any sexual relationship had taken place between him and the girls. In February 2020, he was charged with multiple sexual offences. Detective Constable Ben Lawrence-Smith said: “My thoughts are with the young girls who were betrayed by Breakwell. They have all been incredibly brave and it is their courage in speaking out that has brought him to justice. "Breakwell deceived and abused these girls and then sought to evade any responsibility for his actions. They were manipulated to the point where some felt it was they who were doing wrong. The fact Breakwell was a teacher only compounds this gross betrayal of trust. “It is clear that Breakwell was a sexual predator who carefully manipulated these young girls in order to exploit them. His victims were very young and he led them to believe they were in love with him, knowing that if they cared for him they were less likely to alert anyone to his crimes. "It can be difficult for victims of sexual offences, especially when their abusers are people in positions of power and trust, to speak out. I would ask that if you suspect anyone to be at risk from similar manipulation and abuse, please tell someone, either a parent, a carer or someone in authority. “Due to the predatory nature of Breakwell’s crimes, it is possible there are further victims who have yet to come forward. If you or someone you know has been affected by Breakwell’s offending, or you have been a victim of a sexual offence, please come forward to police. Specially trained officers will be there to listen and support all allegations and work to bring offenders to justice." Source
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More firearms are being seized by the Metropolitan Police than ever before amid a continued crackdown on violent crime.
A total of 450 firearms were seized in 2020/2021 compared to 366 recovered in the previous financial year. The trend is set to continue with 98 firearms seized in the first quarter of this financial year compared to 92 for the same period the previous year. The figures were released after Commissioner Cressida Dick joined Mayor Sadiq Khan on an operation targeting gun crime and gang activity in east London. Local officers, supported by specialist colleagues, including firearms officers, were targeting those suspected of carrying firearms and being involved in street gangs. The operation was led by the Met’s Viper teams which include specialist detectives who assess information in fast-time to identify, arrest and disrupt those behind gun violence. The operation, part of work across the capital, followed a night of successful police activity. Solicitors Huddersfield In one incident, detectives recovered three firearms, ammunition and drugs after attending a commercial premises in Romford Road, Chigwell. Officers found evidence of the conversion and manufacturing of firearms. Four men, aged 20 to 55, were arrested and remain in custody. In a second incident, a loaded shotgun, ammunition and four knives were seized after officers responded to reports of a fight in Emerald Road, Harlesden. Two men, one aged 20 and the second aged 23, were arrested and several knives recovered following a search by officers and a dog unit. Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “These two incidents highlight how the Met is working day and night to target those responsible for violence in London. “Yet more potentially lethal weapons have been removed from the streets and people are safer as a result of the actions of my officers. “The streets of London do not belong to those intent on violence, they belong to the public. “We will never be complacent and our work to suppress shootings will not ease. The Met has been extremely successful in the last few months as we target gun criminals. “These successes give us even more of a hunger to bear down on those involved and bring them swiftly to justice.” Last month, officers intensified their focus on gangs, offenders who cause the most harm and firearms offences. A series of arrest warrants, overt and covert patrols and enhanced weapons sweeps took place across London from Monday, July 26. On the first day of action, officers found 30 stashed shotgun cartridges in the ceiling of a stairwell in Battersea. By the end of the week, 45 warrants had been executed and 45 people had been arrested. Items seized included eight firearms, 55 rounds of ammunition, several zombie knives, a large quantity of both class A and class B drugs as well as stolen vehicles and cash. In 2021, London has seen the lowest number of lethal barrelled discharges for 10 years, with 114 between January and July compared with 183 for the same time period the previous year. Commander Dave McLaren, who oversees the Met’s response to gun crime, said: “Since the start of the week of action, we have not had a single lethal barrelled weapon discharged. “This is unheard of in London in recent years and it just goes to show that the hard work put in by my officers and staff to tackle gun crime, not just in the past week, but in the past months and years, is really starting to pay off. “We know the public expect us to keep up the pressure on those intent on harm and rely on us to keep them safe from gangs and organised criminal networks. We will keep working to make London a hostile place for the supply and transport of firearms.” The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Tackling violence and making our city safer is my number one priority and I’m determined to be tough on crime with support for the Met Police as they work to target the most serious offenders, remove lethal weapons from our streets and bear down on gang violence. “There will continue to be a relentless focus by the Met on suppressing violence over the summer with more officers on the streets patrolling open spaces and parks, as well as working to keep our town centres safe both during the day and night. “This activity is part of our comprehensive plan to tackle violence this summer in London and brings the police, City Hall, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, local authorities and criminal justice partners closer than ever before to drive down violence and be tough on the complex causes of crime by helping support young people and delivering hundreds of positive opportunities.” Information on how to report a suspected firearms discharge, or to provide information to the police on where firearms are being stored or who is in possession of a weapon, can be made by calling 999, tweeting @MetCC or visiting our website. Alternatively, we strongly encourage anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers. They never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life. source
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A man previously convicted of terrorism offences who breached his notification requirements has been jailed after an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Ismail Abdurahman, 39 (12.05.82) of south-east London, pleaded guilty on 22 June at Kingston Crown Court to three breaches of Part 4 Notification Order requirements under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 – namely failing to notify police of a mobile phone number and email account he was using, as well as not notifying them of a vehicle he had access to. He was sentenced on Wednesday, 4 August at the same court to eight months’ imprisonment in relation to the breaches. Tougher sentencing on Terrorism Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “When those convicted for terrorist offences are released from prison, they are subject to licence conditions and notification orders – as was Abdurahman in this case. “These conditions and orders are designed to help keep the public safe and we will make sure we do everything we can, working with our partners, to monitor those subject to such measures. When they fail to comply, as Abdurahman did, we will not hesitate to investigate, and put them before the courts.” Abdurahman was originally convicted in February 2008 as part of a counter terrorism investigation, where he was convicted of failing to disclose information which may be of material assistance to preventing the commission of terrorism and assisting an offender. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to be subject to a Part 4 Notification Order for 15 years after his release, meaning he had to notify police of certain changes to circumstances, such as use of financial accounts, email accounts and vehicles. In February 2020, Abdurahman was recalled to prison for an unrelated breach of his licence conditions. Following this, counter terrorism officers searched Abdurahman’s room and found evidence that he was using an undeclared mobile phone number and email account, as well as documents suggesting he had previous use and ownership of a car and financial documents relating to accounts he hadn’t declared to police. After further enquiries, Abdurahman was charged with five counts of breaching Part 4 Notification Order requirements under the Counter Terrorism Act, 2008, pleading guilty to three of the counts. Two counts (relating to the financial accounts) are to lie on file. + Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. Always dial 999 or in an emergency.
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Specially-trained officers conducted 21 fast pursuits, recovered drugs, knives, cash and stolen mopeds and targeted would-be thieves as part of a police operation set up to coincide with the end of lockdown restrictions.
Officers from Operation Venice and the Roads and Transport Policing Command focused their attention on hotspot areas at key times of the day to prevent those intent on using mopeds and other means of transport to steal from members of the public. Officers recovered 100 wraps of Class A drugs and £2,000 in cash as part of the operation which saw officers patrolling the streets of London on motorbikes together with specially-trained TPaC (Tactical Pursuit and Containment) drivers. They also seized a knife, a machete and ten stolen mopeds - some of which had false number plates. They also made seven arrests for a variety of offences included failing to stop for police, theft of motor vehicles, drug offences, robbery, possession of a bladed article and various traffic offences including not having insurance. Robberies can take place in a matter of seconds with thieves using mopeds – and increasingly e-scooters and e-bikes– to snatch phones, wallets and bags without stopping. Thieves tend to target members of the public who have their mobile phones in their hand or have placed valuable goods on a table whilst sat outdoors. This type of offending has recently led the Met to launch a dedicated campaign encouraging those on the streets of London to ‘look up and look out’ and be aware of their surroundings. Fleet St Solicitors Police Sergeant Clem Jones of the Operation Venice team said: “We want to ensure thieves don’t exploit the end of lockdown and the return to normality by targeting those living, visiting or working in London. We aimed to disrupt their activities and catch them in the act. “We all tend to do so much on our mobiles and many of us use them for directions when out and about – this is when thieves spot us and target us. We often have other valuable items, such as headphones, on the go too. All of these things can attract opportunist thieves. "We are urging people to work with us to reduce this crime type by being extra vigilant and being aware of their surroundings. Please look up and look out when you are out and about. “If you are unlucky enough to fall victim to thieves please report it to police immediately by dialling 999 - this gives us a chance to catch the suspects while they are still in the area. We often receive reports when the victim has returned home which is usually too late for us to conduct a search for the suspects." Anyone who witnesses a crime taking place should dial 999, for non emergencies please dial 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
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Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Newham.
Police were called at 01:41hrs on Friday, 6 August to reports of a stabbing in Henniker Road, E15. Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found two men with stab injuries. A 23-year-old man had suffered a stab wound to his neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. A 19-year-old man was taken to an east London hospital where his condition was assessed as non-life-threatening. Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and a crime scene remains in place. No arrests have been made. Knife Crime Prevention Orders Detective Chief Inspector Perry Benton, leading the investigation, said: "We remain in the early stages of the investigation and my dedicated team of officers are carrying out urgent enquiries to piece together the tragic events which led to a young man losing his life. "Officers will remain in the area throughout the day carrying out house-to-house enquiries and identifying CCTV opportunities. We have already spoken to a number of witnesses and I would ask anybody with information who we haven't yet heard from to contact us immediately." what is the difference between manslaughter and murder Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker, responsible for local policing in Newham and Waltham Forest, said: "My thoughts are with the victim's family and friends and I would like to offer them my sincere condolences as they come to terms with their loss. "I understand the concern this incident will cause within the community and I would like to reassure the public that tackling violence is the Met's number one priority. Too many lives have been lost because of knife crime and we remain committed to removing weapons from the streets of London and catching those responsible. "We cannot do this alone and we need your support. I would urge anyone with information about criminal activity to report it to police or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers." Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570. Alternatively, call 101 quoting CAD 516/06AUG. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. + Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information, 100 per cent anonymously, through the independent charity Crimestoppers. No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families. Crimestoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life. source |