Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life following a series of fires in north London.

Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] has been charged with –

• conspiring together with Roman Lavrynovych and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another,
• intending to damage the property,
• intending to endanger the life or another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.

Carpiuc is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 May at 10:00hrs.

The charge, which was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relates to a period from Thursday, 17 April to Tuesday, 13 May this year, in which three incidents took place – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation into the fires.

Carpiuc was arrested on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit.

He was held in police custody after a warrant of further detention was obtained.

As part of the same investigation, Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June

A 34-year-old [C] was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He remains in police custody.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A teenager has been jailed for killing a 36-year-old man in Brent, following a Met Police investigation.

Kevin Kelenda, 18 (05.02.07) of Kenton Park Crescent, Harrow was sentenced on Monday, 19 May at Wood Green Crown Court to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 17 years.

He was also given an 18-month detention and training order for possession of a pointed and bladed article.

A murder investigation was launched after Tyrone Pinnock was fatally stabbed in October 2023. Through forensic examination and analysis of CCTV, detectives quickly identified Kelenda as the suspect. The court heard he was seen standing on Kensal Rise before following Tyrone and confronting him.

Officers were then able to prove that Kelenda produced a lock knife and stabbed Tyrone in the chest. It is still unclear what Kelenda’s motive was.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Tyrone was killed in a brutal cold-blooded assault which lasted seconds, but was so severe he died at the scene.

“Our thoughts remain as always with Tyrone’s friends and family as they move forward with their lives, safe in the knowledge that Kelenda is behind bars where he belongs.”

Kelenda was found guilty of Tyrone’s murder at the same court on Friday, 28 March.

He had already pleaded guilty to having a knife in a public space on Friday, 13 December.

At 18:42hrs on Thursday, 19 October 2023, a police car was flagged down by a member of the public who had found Tyrone with stab injuries on Kensal Road, W10.

Officers carried out first aid and called for support from paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, however, sadly he died at the scene.

His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Kelenda was arrested on Wednesday, 25 October 2023. He was charged on Friday, 27 October 2023 with Tyrone’s murder.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for the public’s help trace a man who was last seen at a hospital In Leytonstone.

Aleks Abutayun, 29, was last seen at 17:00hrs on Monday, 19 May after he left Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone.

He is described as a white man and 5ft8 tall. He is of a medium build, with short dark hair and a beard.

Aleks was last known to be wearing a grey cardigan, green trainers and brown chino trousers. He has links to Hollow Ponds, Epping Forest and Waltham Forest.

Met officers are becoming increasingly concerned for Aleks’ wellbeing and if seen, we are advising people to call police rather than approach him.

Please call 999 immediately if you see Aleks, quoting CAD5635/19MAY.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a 26-year-old man in Brent have named the victim.

Ali Faris Muhammad, who lived in Harrow, sadly died following an altercation in the early hours on Sunday, 18 May.

At 03:31hrs, police were called to reports of the incident in Kingsbury Road, NW9.

Ali was taken to hospital with a stab wound. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died.

His next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers. A murder investigation is under way.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Our thoughts are with Ali’s family and loved ones. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to his tragic death. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.

“We understand this incident may cause concern within the Kingsbury community, and we’re grateful for their continued patience and co-operation as we carry out our investigation.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference: 1052/18May. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Or please visit the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X74-PO1

The crime scene remains in place. No arrests have been made at this stage.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A third man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

A 34-year-old [C] was arrested this morning, Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He has been taken into custody.

On Saturday, 17 May, a 26-year-old man [B] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He is currently still in police custody after a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The arrests relate to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

+ A 21-year-old man [A] has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A group of drug dealers involved in the supply of nearly half a ton of cocaine worth up to £17 million have been jailed for a combined 47 years.

The four, who brought in cocaine from the Netherlands to distribute throughout London, were caught in the act by Metropolitan Police Service officers.

Bert De Jong, 59, (03.09.1965), of the Netherlands, Hussain Sakhi, 22, (13.03.2003), of Laughton Road, Northolt and Zaibaa Zahur, 21, (04.06.2003), of Harlington Road, Uxbridge were sentenced on Monday, 19 May at Kingston Crown Court.

They were found guilty of conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine, following a four-week trial at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 7 April.

Sakhi and Zahur were also found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

A fourth drug dealer, Justyn Morris, 23, (21.07.2001), of Upper Lees Road, Slough, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 11 March to conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Detective Constable Leon Ure, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South team who led the investigation, said:

“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation to dismantle a group supplying drugs across London. It has been part of a wider, proactive drug operation led by the Specialist Crime South team.

“This investigation shows the breadth of work the specialist crime unit deals with and I’d like to thank every officer who was involved in the case.

“Drug dealing has a huge impact on Londoners. It fuels further crime and impacts the heart of our communities.

“Their sentences are fully deserved and I hope this acts as a deterrent to those thinking about bringing in illegal drugs to the country.”

The investigation found that millions of pounds of cocaine were distributed by lorries across London. Lorries would stop outside the capital, and the drugs would be collected and then be sent to ‘retail suppliers’ on a weekly basis.

On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, Marsham booked a holiday home near Norwich. Morris drove a van, which has been seen outside the home, to an industrial estate in Norwich, where Morris met De Jong in a lorry. De Jong gave Morris, three cardboard boxes.

Morris was then intercepted by Met officers who had seen the suspected handover.

The Met officers searched the van and the three boxes were found hidden behind black cladding containing a total of 70kg worth of cocaine – worth between £1.75million and £2.45million.

Sakhi and Zahur went to the holiday let later that day, to ‘view’ the property which raised suspicion, leading to the officers arriving and searching the pair.

A phone was found and showed messages between Sakhi and an unidentified contact, who Morris had also been in contact with.

All three were arrested by the Met that day.

They were charged on Thursday, 18 July 2024.

What followed was an extensive investigation, which proved the defendants had all been involved in the supply of millions of pounds worth of cocaine. Drug ledgers kept by the gang showed they moved nearly 500kg worth.

De Jong would bring the drugs into the country from the Netherlands and Morris would pick them up and pass them to Sakhi and Zahur, who would then distribute them.

On Wednesday, 23 July 2024 De Jong, when entering the country again, was arrested. He claimed he had no knowledge of what he was bringing into the country, but evidence suggested on his phone that he would send ‘tokens’ to his counterparts, implying the drugs had been delivered.

He was charged on the same day.

De Jong was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Zahur was sentenced to six years and 10 months’ imprisonment

Sakhi was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Morris was sentenced to 12 years and six months’ imprisonment.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who fled abroad following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Finsbury Park has been convicted of manslaughter.

After a six-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Kevin Peraj, 23, was found guilty on Friday, 16 May of killing 19-year-old Ahmed Habib under joint enterprise.

He was brought to justice following a detailed Metropolitan Police investigation, which included reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV and extensive enquiries within the UK and abroad.

Detective Inspector Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to pay my respects to Ahmed’s family, I am, once again, very sorry for your loss. I hope this result, and that Peraj will now face the consequences of his actions, brings some small comfort.

“Our investigation into the events of that day continues as at least one other man was involved in the attack.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may have any information, no matter how small. Please think back to when this happened and come forward if you have any information that may help our investigation.”

Detectives launched an investigation after receiving reports at about 02:50hrs on Thursday, 11 July 2024 of two men injured in a car in Stroud Green Road, at the junction of Tollington Park, N4.

Officers, London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance all attended and found Ahmed, the driver, suffering from stab injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he sadly dead at the scene. The injuries of the second man, aged 21, in the car were not life-threatening.

Detectives established the two men sustained their injuries in Seven Sisters Road close to Yonge Park before driving to Stroud Green Road where the car came to a stop.

After reviewing many hours of footage, detectives found CCTV that captured Peraj approaching the vehicle and attacking the passenger in the car.

In an attempt to escape police, on the night of the murder Peraj tried to flee the country. He made his way to Heathrow Airport, but was too late and missed his flight.

Instead he left the UK via the Eurotunnel and headed to Albania.

Quick time enquiries had led officers to identify Peraj, [8.7.01] of Islip Street, NW5. He contacted police after a warrant was issued at his family address and was arrested upon his return to the UK on Tuesday, 16 July.

He was interviewed and charged with murder the following day under joint enterprise, before his conviction for manslaughter. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

Peraj will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 1 August.

Officers believe Peraj was acting with another man – anyone with information asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and give reference 873/11July2024.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A second man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

The 26-year-old was arrested around 13:45hrs on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. The man was taken into police custody in London.

On Sunday, 18 May, a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, meaning the man can be detained for an additional 36 hours.

The arrest relates to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

All have previous connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

+ A 21-year-old man has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following the fatal stabbing of a man in Kingsbury, North West London.

Police were called to reports of an altercation in Kingsbury Road, NW9 at 03:31hrs on Sunday, 18 May. A 26-year-old man was later confirmed to have been taken to hospital with a stab wound. Shortly after, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was sadly pronounced dead.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of a young man.”

“We understand this incident will cause concern within the Kingsbury community, and we’re grateful for their continued patience and co-operation. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out the early stages of our investigation.

“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference: 1052/18May. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Kinsgsbury Road, between Uphill Drive and Church Lane, remains closed at this stage. Please avoid the area where possible.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A second man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

The 26-year-old was arrested around 13:45hrs on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. The man has been taken into police custody in London.

The arrest relates to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

All have previous connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

+ A 21-year-old man has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.