Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man arrested in relation to a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers in Clapham has been released on bail.

The 19-year-old man was arrested in South Norwood on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of two counts of GBH. He was taken into custody and later released on bail.

Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton, Central South Command Unit, said: “The two victims have been informed and continue to be supported by our officers, including our dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

“I know the concern and distress this horrific incident has caused among the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure them – and Londoners as a whole – that a team of officers is working diligently to investigate. We continue to urge witnesses and those with information that could assist our investigation to come forward.”

The incident happened at approximately 22:15hrs on Sunday, 13 August as the two men stood outside a nightclub – they were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away.

Both men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

Officers continue to follow-up a number of lines of enquiry provided by witnesses and members of the public.

PC Hayley Jones who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark added:

“We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you wish to contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO please contact PC Hayley Jones on 07825101104 or Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Daniel Abed Khalife, as detectives investigate a sighting of him near Wandsworth Roundabout.

Khalife escaped from Wandsworth Prison on Wednesday morning. The search for him remains a significant operation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

More than 150 of the Met’s counter terrorism officers and staff, with support from colleagues across the Met and in other forces, have been working at pace around the clock, making extensive enquiries to try and find Khalife.

Detectives have received information from a member of the public who said they saw a man fitting Khalife’s description walking away from a BidFood van that had stopped near the south entrance to the Wandsworth Roundabout, at the top of Trinity Road, shortly after his escape. The man was then seen walking towards Wandsworth town centre.

This is one of several key lines of enquiry that officers are pursuing.

A reward of up to £20,000 is now being offered for information which leads directly to the arrest of Khalife.

To report a live sighting of Khalife, or information which is urgent, please call 999. Alternatively, anyone with information which might assist the ongoing enquiry can call police on 101.

We have also opened our UK Image Appeal website which allows people to submit any relevant imagery and video directly to the investigation team.

This could be CCTV, doorbell footage, mobile phone footage, or dash-cam footage.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This remains a fast-paced and dynamic investigation, but I want the public to know that a large number of officers are working extremely hard to locate Khalife.

“We have now received more than 100 calls from the public, and we thank everyone who has contacted us with information.

“The sighting near Wandsworth Roundabout could be very significant, and this is one of many useful lines of enquiry that officers are perusing.

“We continue to urge the public to contact us straight away if they think they have seen Khalife or have information on his whereabouts.

“We will continue to work closely with all our colleagues in police services across the country and other partners to trace Khalife and bring him back into custody.”

Officers continue to focus our investigative efforts in London. This included search activity at Richmond Park overnight into the early hours of Friday, 8 September.

A nationwide alert put out on Wednesday has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders. Our partners are working to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

We are engaged with police colleagues across the UK, and we have various measures in place.

We continue to assess that Khalife does not pose a threat to the wider public. However, we advise anyone who seems him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.

Former soldier Khalife, 21, was declared missing at 07:50hrs on 6 September. The Met was notified at 08:15hrs and took immediate action to track down a delivery van that had left the prison.

At 08:37, police officers stopped the van in Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive. Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search. Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.

We believe Khalife was hiding underneath the van and used this strapping as part of his escape.

We previously gave details of the route the van which we believe Khalife escaped on took after it left Wandsworth Prison, based on GPS data detectives had obtained from the vehicle.

As a result of further CCTV enquiries, we can clarify that the van took the following route upon leaving Wandsworth Prison.

After reaching Wandsworth Roundabout, the van turned onto Swandon Way and the van remained on the road until turning onto Fairfield Street.

Further imagery – moving footage of the van Khalife is believed to have escaped on, and a still of the type of clothing he was wearing – is now being made available as part of this appeal.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Three men have been jailed for a combined total of 24 years after Met detectives uncovered £2 million counterfeit drug supply operation on the dark web.

The Met Police’s Cyber Crime Unit led the investigation after they received intelligence from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in US that the men were selling pharmaceutical drugs on the internet.

Allen Valentine, his son Roshan Valentine and childhood friend Krunal Patel were producing and selling Benzodiazepines, a type of sedative, which is a Class C drug. They made at least £2 million in illicit profit.

The trio also had several accounts on different dark web markets and advertised the sale of Xanax, Diazepam and in the past Valium.

Detectives began the investigation in January 2022 and, soon after, they discovered the three men were visiting a warehouse unit at Acton Business Centre. It was from here that the drugs were produced, packaged and supplied. The men were operating under the guise of a company called Puzzle Logistics Limited that was formed in 2016.

Each of the men visited the unit on a daily basis, often staying for much of the day. Krunal Patel would frequently leave with large bags, returning 10 to 15 minutes later without the contents of the bags.

Users would purchase the drugs on the dark web, paying in cryptocurrency, which were then posted.

The Cyber Crime Unit has detailed knowledge of the dark web and training in cryptocurrency, allowing them to efficiently progress the investigation.

Detectives utilised specialist cyber tactics to prove it was the Valentines’ and Patel who were making and selling the illegal substances.

They determined the three men converted £2 million from cryptocurrency into fiat currency (sterling), the accounts have been frozen by police.

On 17 August 2022, Krunal Patel was arrested near to the warehouse, with 15 parcels labelled for posting to addresses across the UK. Inside those parcels were tablets imprinted “Xanax” and “Teva”, both brand names for licensed medicines within the Benzodiazepine group. Roshan and Allen Valentine were arrested later that same day.

Officers searched the warehouse and found a concealed laboratory where a large amount of equipment and several containers of chemical substances were discovered, along with numerous crates of pills manufactured on site.

The pills were analysed and found to contain Class C drugs from the Benzodiazepine group including Deschloroetizolam, Flubromazepam, Bromazolam and Flualprazolam.

Allen Valentine told the jury he was a doctor and has qualifications in pharmacy, enquiries are currently ongoing to verify the claims.

All three were charged with conspiracy to produce Class C drugs and money laundering offences on 19 August 2022 and were remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Alex Hawkins, of the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit led the investigation. He said: “The three men ran a sophisticated, large scale production of fake pharmaceutical drugs sold on the dark web that appeared to be genuine. Their operation was solely for the greed of those involved bearing no concern for the vulnerabilities of those purchasing these drugs.

“Some of the drugs contained completely different chemicals from those which should be in the genuine tablets; some of them are extremely dangerous.

“This is the first seizure of those chemicals in the UK and as such legislation will be amended later this year to include these drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act as Class A substances. Stopping the manufacturing of these drugs has removed a significant risk to the public.

“We would like to thank pharmaceutical companies Viatris and Teva UK for assisting the Met in our investigation and supporting our prosecution against these dangerous and fraudulent men.

“I’d urge anyone to seek medical advice and obtain a prescription for medication through a doctor. If you buy from the dark web there is no guarantee what is in the substances, as with this case.”

Detective Superintendent Helen Rance leads the Cyber Crime Unit, she said: “Our specialist Cyber Crime Unit are experts at infiltrating the sale of illegal items on the dark web. We work collaboratively with International Law Enforcement partners to ensure operations like this are stopped in their tracks.”

At Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, 7 September:

Krunal Patel, 40 (19.04.83), of Carmalite Road, Harrow was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.

Roshan Valentine, 39 (11.05.83), of Hilliard Road, Northwood was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.

Allen Valentine, 63 (30.08.60), of Kynaston Wood, Harrow was sentences to 11 years’ imprisonment.

Krunal Patel and Roshan Valentine pleaded guilty to the below offences on Friday, 10 February at Isleworth Crown Court:

– Conspiracy to produce controlled drugs of Class C;

– Conspiracy to supply controlled drugs of Class C;

– Possessing a controlled drug of Class C with intent to supply;

– Conspiracy to sell trademarked goods without authorisation;

– Conspiracy to use a registered trademark for labelling or packaging goods without authorisation;

– Possession of articles designed to make unauthorised copies of registered trademarks;

– Conspiracy to conceal, convert or transfer criminal property.

Allen Valentine pleaded not guilty to the same offences and was found guilty on Tuesday, 9 May following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed after investigators accessed his EncroChat and discovered an operation that supplied cocaine to areas across North East London.

Julian Warner, 37 (09.09.85) of Carefree Close, Romford was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday, 4 September at Snaresbrook Crown Court for his role in the conspiracy to supply 2.5kgs of cocaine and 2.5kgs of heroin.

He pleaded guilty on the same day to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug (cocaine), conspiracy to supply a Class A drug (heroin), and conspiracy to possess criminal property (money).

Detective Inspector Danny Young, from Op Eternal in Specialist Crime, said: “Warner arranged large-scale drug deals with his ultimate aim being to make as much money as possible, with no thought of the misery and devastation caused in communities by drug supply, and the violence it leads to.

“Op Eternal investigations over the last three years have resulted in the Met identifying and jailing major players in the criminal fraternity, and stemming the flow of drugs and guns onto the streets. The drugs trade relies upon exploitation and violence to operate and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved, and put them before the courts.”

Warner was rumbled after European partners accessed an encrypted communications network called EncroChat in the summer of 2020 – passing data to the Met via the National Crime Agency (NCA). In response, officers launched a large-scale investigation to target Encrochat users believed to be operating from the capital – codenamed “Operation Eternal”.

As part of the investigation, Warner was identified as a member of an Organised Crime Network (OCN) linked to the supply of large amounts of Class A drugs throughout North East London and surrounding counties.

Evidence also showed Warner was the sole user of two encrypted EncroChat mobile phones between April and June 2020.

Police raided Warner’s address in Romford in March 2023. Two high value watches were seized, along with a mobile phone which linked to the Encrochat data, with messages that revealed he was working with others to purchase multiple kilos of Class A drugs.

There was also evidence within the EncroChat device that showed that he made a payment of £20,000 for drugs previously supplied. The court heard how he had then directed others to collect and deliver drugs on his behalf.

Warner was arrested on Wednesday, 29 March and the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges relating to the offences.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Hackney.

Officers were called to Clapton Common at around 09:00hrs on Monday 4 September following reports of a collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian.

Officers attended alongside colleagues in the London Ambulance Service (LAS). The pedestrian, aged in his 70s, was taken to a nearby hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

Officers from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who captured the collision on dash cam, or any witnesses who were nearby around the time of the collision.

Any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call the SCIU on 020 8345 4955 or via 101 quoting reference CAD 1885/04SEP23

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have released an update on their investigation into the death of Mikias Tekeste on 15 July 2023.

Mr Tekeste was arrested earlier that day after officers found he had been recalled to prison. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He was transported to custody in Croydon in a police vehicle.

On CCTV footage from inside the vehicle, that has been reviewed following Mr Tekeste’s death, he can be seen to remove items from his clothing before swallowing them.

Later that evening he was found unwell in his cell. He was given first aid and an ambulance was called.

He was taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical teams, he sadly died.

The matter was passed to the IOPC and they have now launched a criminal investigation into two of the officers who were travelling in the van with Mr Tekeste to custody for the potential offence of gross negligence manslaughter.

They have confirmed that their investigation has not identified any inappropriate police use of force.

Any death in custody or following police contact is a serious matter and a cause of community concern. They rightly expect the circumstances to be fully investigated.

We are providing every assistance to the IOPC investigation and our thoughts remain with Mr Tekeste’s family.

The launching of an investigation is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing, however the officers will remain on restricted duties while the investigation is carried out.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives from Islington are urgently appealing for help to trace a man who absconded from a mental health facility in Islington.

Mohamed Mboob, 36, was last seen around midday on Friday, 25 August and is known to have headed in the direction of Archway station.

He is also wanted in relation to an alleged indecent exposure committed in July.

CCTV footage and an image shows him near a McDonald’s restaurant in Stratford, east London, on 27 August between approximately 10:30 and 12:30hrs.

During the clip Mboob can be seen wearing multi-coloured distinctive patchwork dungarees and gold trainers and was carrying a black rucksack. He is described as Black, of slim build, 5ft 7in tall and has highlighted hair.

Mr Mboob has links to the Paddington, Stratford, Brent Cross, Hackney and Bromley areas.

He may use the alias name Jimmie Toshi.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley from Central North BCU is leading the investigation and is urging the public to provide assistance in locating Mboob. He said: “My investigation team has been diligently trying to trace Mr Mboob for around two weeks.

“Through detailed enquiries, we have established several sightings of Mr Mboob in the Stratford area however he could be anywhere in London or further afield.

“I am asking for anyone with sightings of Mr Mboob to call 101 without delay and if anyone sees him, especially women, my advice is not to approach him and dial 999 immediately.

“He could be using public transport to travel, and again my advice to the public is not to approach him if seen.

“To aid our enquiries, I am today releasing footage of him wearing distinctive clothing, however he may now have changed his appearance including his hairstyle.

“My key priority is locating Mboob and I would encourage anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously to do so. I can assure you that all information provided will be immediately followed up.”

Anyone with information that could assist in locating Mboob should call police on 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Missing People on 116000, quoting 23MIS028958.

If seen, officers urge the public not to approach him but dial 999 immediately.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at the Crimestoppers website.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have released images of two men they want to speak to after three women were assaulted in Redbridge.

Two women and a girl in her late teens were verbally threatened and then assaulted outside the New Fairlop Oak pub in Fencepiece Road, Ilford at 02:15am on 14 May 2023.

The group were walking past the pub in the direction of Fencepiece Road when sexual comments were made to the teenager. After walking away from the men, the women were then attacked.

Detective Constable Amanda Mead said: “We think these men may have information about the attack on these women, one of whom now requires plastic surgery on her face following the assault.

“Various efforts are ongoing to trace these men, and we feel now is the right time to release their images.

“Both violence and its aftermath can be deeply traumatic and we are committed to tackling violence against women and girls in Redbridge.

“Please contact my team, or call Crimestoppers anonymously if you recognise them.”

Please contact police on 101 quoting CAD 859/14MAY23 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have arrested a man in relation to a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers in Clapham.

The 19-year-old man was arrested in South Norwood this afternoon on suspicion of two counts of GBH and is in custody.

Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton, Central South Command Unit, said: “This arrest marks a significant development in our investigation. The two victims have been informed and continue to be supported by our officers, including our dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

“I know the concern and distress this horrific incident has caused among the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure them – and Londoners as a whole – that a team of officers is working diligently to investigate.”

The incident happened at approximately 22:15hrs on Sunday, 13 August as the two men stood outside a nightclub – they were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away.

Both men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

Officers continue to follow-up a number of lines of enquiry provided by witnesses and members of the public.

PC Hayley Jones who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark added:

“We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you wish to contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO please contact PC Hayley Jones on 07825101104 or Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

We continue to appeal for the public to help us locate Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth prison yesterday.

There is a significant operation under way led by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, involving more than 150 officers and staff.

They are working closely with colleagues in police services across the country, the Ministry of Justice and a wide range of Government agencies and other partners.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the investigation, asked for anyone with information about Khalife that may help us to get in touch urgently.

He said: “Since yesterday, over 150 officers and staff have been working around the clock on apprehending Khalife.

“We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings.

“I recognise and am fully aware of the impact these measures are having on the public. We are working to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.

“It is crucial for the public to help us with this search and to call us immediately if they have any information on the whereabouts of Khalife.”

Khalife was declared missing at 07:50hrs on 6 September. The Met was notified at 08:15hrs and took immediate action to track down a delivery van that had left the prison.

At 08:37, police officers stopped the van in Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive. Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search. Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.

Currently, we believe Khalife was hiding underneath the van and used this strapping as part of his escape.

Officers have traced the route of the van after it left Wandsworth Prison and are appealing to anyone who might have seen the van on this route to get in touch.

The van left HMP Wandsworth at 07:32 taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road. It then turned left onto Magdalen Road. The van then turned left onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth Roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217).

It then turned left onto Old York Road (past Wandsworth Town station) then left onto Fairfield Street , right onto Wandsworth High Street (A3) staying straight ahead onto West Hill and then on to Upper Richmond Road (A205).

The Met has continued to focus its efforts in the London area, particularly around this route, as well as the Kingston area, where Khalife is known to have connections.

Khalife’s previous military experience may mean he is more aware of efforts to apprehend him.

While he is not assessed to pose a threat to the wider public we advise anyone who seems him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.