Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday with a number of demonstrations expected to take place.

Officers from the Met and the British Transport police will be supported by a limited number of officers from other UK forces.

A protest organised on behalf of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) under the name Uniting the Kingdom, will march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall. Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.

There will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

A separate protest, organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign, will take place in Trafalgar Square from around midday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.

“Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest. We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.

“We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.

“The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events. We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”

Details of conditions

Uniting the Kingdom

Participants in the Uniting the Kingdom protest must form up in the red shaded area in the map below:

They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

Stand Up To Racism

Similar conditions are in place for the Stand Up To Racism counter protest.

Anyone taking part must form up in the area shaded in red on the map below:

They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj, who died following a fight on an Enfield street.

Kozma Papa, 22 (23.09.02) of Fairview Road, Cheltenham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Friday, 6 December.

Police and London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called at 14:04hrs on Sunday, 4 February to reports of a stabbing at Queen Elizabeth’s Drive in Enfield.

Officers and LAS attended. At the scene 37-year-old Bledi Petraj, who was from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, was found with knife injuries.

Despite the efforts of medics at the scene and in hospital, he sadly died that afternoon. His family were notified and were supported by specialist officers.

Papa was arrested by Met officers in a car that was stopped in Hertfordshire that same day. He was charged the following day with murder.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Goode said: “We know that on the day of the murder the victim pulled over in his car on Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Papa pulled in behind him and both men got out of their cars and immediately started to fight. A fight that ended in a senseless loss of life.

“It has never been established why they fought, but whatever the reason for the confrontation, I know it wouldn’t justify the loss felt by Bledi’s family and the years that Papa will now spend in prison.

“I am pleased that this guilty plea will spare Bledi’s family the experience of a criminal trial – my thoughts are with them today.”

A 30-year-old man, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, was released without further action.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing to residents in the Feltham area as they continue to ask for information to help trace a missing boy who is believed to be with his mother.

Karima Mahmoud, 43, and Adam Glanville, aged seven, were seen on Monday, 3 June in Richmond.

Officers have today, Thursday, 24 October, received a new sighting of Karima in the vicinity of Bedfont Road in Feltham.

Karima is in a breach of a family court order and police are trying to locate both her and Adam.

Detective Sergeant Mary Dawson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Have you seen Karima or Adam in recent days? Are you renting a room or accommodation to them?

“While our enquiries remain ongoing, we need your help to locate Karima and Adam.”

It is possible that Karima may have altered her appearance.

If you have seen Karima and Adam, or have information that could help police locate them, please call 101 quoting 01/421708/24.

To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

+ A social media appeal was posted in July and a renewed appeal was issued to media at the end of September.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met Police and modern slavery charity work to protect victims of exploitation

The Metropolitan Police and Justice & Care have jointly worked to pursue the conviction of prolific sex trafficker Roland Cankaj to protect multiple victims of exploitation.

Roland Cankaj, 43 (19.03.1981) of Western Gateway, Tower Hamlets, E16 appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 October where he was found guilty of multiple exploitation offences following a six day trial.

The Met’s modern slavery team launched an investigation into an organised crime network named the ‘Cankaj Brotherhood’ in 2022 with intelligence leading to a group trafficking Brazilian women into the UK to be sexually exploited.

The detailed investigation showed Cankaj renting an apartment in Tower Hamlets under a false passport. Officers begun to observe Cankaj’s movements and saw him drive young women to addresses and waiting outside in the car while the women went inside. He was also seen to be in the company of young women, taking provocative pictures of them outside London landmarks which were used to advertise sexual services. A brothel in Tower Hamlets, run by Cankaj, was uncovered – the rooms were sparsely furnished and contained items associated with sex work.

As a result of the officer’s work, a total of six victims were identified and the Met worked closely with Justice & Care, the modern slavery charity, to support them.

During an interview, one victim explained how she had worked as a beautician in Brazil and got into conversation with Cankaj about money. He arranged for her to come to the UK and moved her between various addresses to have sex with men she didn’t know before taking half the money – sometimes 10 to 15 men a day.

As part of A New Met for London, the Met is doing more to support communities and people who’ve had their trust damaged. Officers are working to protect women and children from violence and exploitation and pursuing the predatory men who commit those crimes. Through targeted operations and partnerships with community organisations, the Met is working to create safer environments for women and girls across London.

Detective Sergeant Andy Owen, who led the investigation, said:

“Cankaj tricked these women into a false sense of security, making them believe that this exploitation was a way of them gaining financial freedom. In fact, he was the one financially benefitting, making a career out of orchestrating prostitution with vulnerable victims.

“This was a complex investigation led by the Met and I am pleased our work has led to justice for these women. The key to our success was building the victim’s trust in the police -Justice & Care were integral in achieving this, providing support to these women who had spent years being exploited and ensuring they felt safe and supported to share their stories.

“The Met are dedicated to protecting vulnerable people – we rely on information from our communities to continue tackling exploitation and modern slavery in London. If you’re suspicious about possible exploitation in your area, or you’re concerned about someone who may be a victim, please contact us.”

Julie Currie, Victim Navigator Programme Coordinator at Justice & Care, who supported one of the victims said:

”We are proud to support the survivor to bring her trafficker to justice, and commend her bravery in supporting this case.

“As this case shows, modern slavery is brutal and it is everywhere – with an estimated 122,000 victims currently trapped in exploitation in the UK.

“Our Navigators are deployed into the heart of the Metropolitan Police, and many other police forces across the UK, and are often there from the moment a potential victim is identified to help them feel safe.

“They work helping survivors to start to rebuild their lives and support them to engage with the criminal justice process.

“This case is just one example of the incredible partnership between Justice and Care and the Metropolitan Police.

”Every member of the public can help us stop this crime by learning the signs of modern slavery and reporting concerns to police.”

For more information and advice around spotting the signs of exploitation, visit: Human trafficking | Metropolitan Police

Charges

Cankaj was arrested on 20 April 2024 at London Stansted Airport and was subsequently charged with:

• Two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation
• Fraud by false representation
• Possession of a controlled article for use in fraud

He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and keeping a brothel for use in prostitution.

He was found guilty on Wednesday, 23 October at Croydon Crown Court of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who sent money to his nephew in Syria knowing it was to fund his terrorist activity has been sentenced for terrorism offences following an investigation by specialist officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Through their investigation, detectives found that 46-year-old Farhad Mohammad arranged for $350.00 over two payments to be sent to his nephew, Idris Usman. However, the investigation uncovered that Usman was fighting in Syria at the time for the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which is a proscribed organisation in the UK.

On 26 April, Mohammad was found guilty of two terrorism funding offences following a ten-day trial at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced on 23 October to a three year community order, 250 hours unpaid work, three month curfew between 9pm and 8am and a 30 day Rehabilitation Supervision Order.

During the trial, counter terrorism investigators presented evidence showing Mohammad made two payments to his nephew in the space of three months between November 2017 and January 2018 with the knowledge that his nephew was fighting for an Islamist terrorist group in Syria at the time.

One of the messages found by officers on Mohammad’s phone from his nephew in May 2017 read: “Uncle forgive me, God willing I am going to participate in a fighting, either I will stay alive or I become a martyr, it is up to God.”

After initial enquiries were carried out by officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), the investigation was taken on by specialist investigators within the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, which is based within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Detectives identified that the money, which was sent between November 2017 and January 2018, was transferred via a third-party to Usman.

As a result of meticulous investigative work, Counter Terrorism officers were able to prove that Mohammad was fully aware that the money he was sending was supporting his nephew’s terrorist activities.

Another example of a message found by officers from Usman to Mohammad in June 2017, indicating he was aware of his terrorist activities read: “Uncle for the sake of God send me six and a half waraqa ($650), to buy a weapon, it is the one, which I like it, and may God reward you with good.” Also among the messages sent from Usman to his Uncle was an image sent in August 2017 showing Usman sat on a motorbike with a gun over his shoulder.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Terrorist groups rely on financial support and funding to be able to operate. While Mohammad’s contributions may not have been vast sums, he was well aware his nephew wanted the money to purchase a firearm and to help fund his fighting in Syria.

“Groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham cause huge misery, terror and devastation. If you knowingly fund someone – family member or not – who is part of a group like that, then it is helping a terrorist organisation and it is something we take extremely seriously.”

On 27 February 2018, Mohammad planned to travel to Turkey from London Stansted airport. However, before he boarded the flight, he was stopped by officers using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000.

Officers found he had over £4,000 of cash, and three mobile phones – all of which were seized and the contents downloaded by officers, with Mohammad subsequently arrested.

Detectives recovered messaging app conversations and voice notes, which, after careful piecing together, officers were able to use to produce a timeline of detailing his conversations and fund transfers.

Commander Murphy added: “The use of counter terrorism powers by officers at the airport was crucial in discovering how Mohammad was knowingly funding his nephew’s terrorist activities in Syria. And it was the specialist skills of officers within our National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit which helped pinpoint the transactions that led to this prosecution.

“Anyone who might be considering providing financial support to terrorists or terrorist organisations should think twice, as it is a serious offence and, as we’ve shown here, we will investigate those who are involved in this kind of activity.”

Farhad Mohammad, 46, (21.10.1978) of Colchester, Essex was charged on 10 July 2023.

He was found guilty on Friday 26 April 2024 of two counts of terrorist fundraising (contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000), after a trial at the Old Bailey and was sentenced at the same court on 23 October. Mohammad was found not guilty on two other counts of terrorist fundraising – linked to alleged payments made in May and August 2017. The jury was unable to reach a verdict in respect of a fifth count of terrorist fundraising, relating to an alleged payment made in October 2017. This count will lie on file.

The National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) is based within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and is comprised of specialist investigators, analysts and researchers who investigate suspicious financial activity where they believe it may have links to terrorism.

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 www.gov.uk/ACT or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A statement from Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley following the Government’s announcement on police accountability:

“We welcome today’s announcement from the Government introducing important reforms to strengthen the police accountability system.

“These measures represent positive progress toward a system that is both fairer and faster, supporting the vast majority of officers who serve with integrity every day. The importance of these changes couldn’t have been demonstrated more clearly than by the acquittal of our firearms officer Sergeant Martyn Blake. He was a brave officer who acted in line with his training and faced immense danger to protect the public.

“Accountability of the law is critical, but the current system is protracted and unbalanced and fails to secure the confidence of the public and officers. Over many years this has created a culture where our officers are increasingly more worried about a skewed, imbalanced system than they are the dangerous criminals they face on the streets. If this continues, it risks making the public less safe.

“These reforms are a crucial and welcome step forward and we will now work with Government to deliver them at pace.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving police officer who posted a series of racist comments on social media has been dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing.

PC Ruby Begum, who was attached to the Met’s Taskforce, was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour with regards to discreditable conduct and equality and diversity at the level of gross misconduct.

She was dismissed without notice following the conclusion of the hearing on Wednesday, 23 October.

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, in charge of the Met’s Taskforce, said: “There is absolutely no place within the Met for anyone with racist or otherwise hateful attitudes.

“Our diverse workforce, made up of people from a range of backgrounds, makes us better able to reflect and serve the public. We are working hard to build a culture where anyone can feel welcome and thrive.

“Those who undermine these goals have no place in the organisation. They are not suitable to serve Londoners and will feel the consequences.

“The overwhelming majority of officers in the Met make a fantastic contribution to policing London, but we can only rebuild trust and continue to deliver the change that is needed by taking action, as we have today, to remove those within our ranks who do not share our values.”

PC Begum joined the Met as a Special Constable in May 2014 and became a PC in July 2016.

The misconduct hearing panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, examined allegations that between 2013 and 2019 PC Begum posted a number of discriminatory and offensive comments on her Twitter account.

The posts remained visible on her account after she became a Special Constable and later a PC.

On 6 August 2021, after receiving information from the Mail on Sunday, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards conducted a formal assessment and determined that a conduct matter should be recorded against PC Begum.

She was notified of the investigation and was initially placed on restricted duties. On 9 August 2022, she was suspended from duty.

The Met made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which determined that the matter should be investigated locally.

Following an investigation, which included officers reviewing 25,000 of PC Begum’s Tweets, it was determined that she had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

Following the hearing, PC Begum will now be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a teenager in Edmonton.

The court heard how Bernard Carroll, 20 (26.12.23) of Church Street, Enfield and Josiah James Semper, 19 (31.03.05) of Cromie Close, Enfield pursued and fatally stabbed 16-year-old Taye Faik as he fled towards his home. Both were found guilty of Taye’s murder following the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

At the same court on Tuesday, 22 October, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 22 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation. She said: “This was a shocking and brutal attack on a teenage boy who was yards from his front door.

“Semper was armed with a flick knife and inflicted the fatal wound, while Carroll drove the car to Kendal Gardens, fully in the knowledge that Semper was armed and in no doubt that significant violence would take place. It was evident from the investigation that there was a significant degree of planning involved.

“Taye’s family have had to endure the trauma of losing him and then hearing evidence of the attack throughout the trial process. While nothing can be done to ease their pain, I hope that the fact Carroll and Semper have been held to account for their part in Taye’s murder brings them a small degree of comfort.

“This conviction and the subsequent sentence should demonstrate the serious consequences and loss of life that is associated with carrying a knife. The sentencing today should act as a deterrent to anyone else in possession of such dangerous weapons.”

An investigation was launched after police were called at 23:27hrs on 1 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Taye died at the scene.

Taye had been out walking his dog and was yards from his home when he was attacked by at least two occupants who had got out of a waiting car. Witnesses reported hearing the attack and seeing the car driving at speed as it left the area. Taye made it back to his house where he collapsed in the hallway, fatally injured.

Detectives quickly began to piece together the events of that evening, initially using CCTV to plot the movements of a car that the attackers had used.

This car was later found abandoned in a nearby car park – it was on false registration plates and had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.

A thorough investigation enabled officers to plot the movements of the vehicle and its occupants on the day Taye was attacked and fatally injured.

Bernard Carroll was arrested on 6 November 2023 after officers tracked him down to an address in Edmonton. He refused to answer any questions about the attack on Taye.

Josiah Semper had fled to Antigua shortly after the murder, but was arrested when he returned to the UK on 17 November 2023. Again, when questioned about the attack on Taye, he declined to answer any questions.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been arrested in an intelligence-led operation as part of the Met’s ongoing response to thefts and robberies from parcel delivery vans and drivers.

At around 14:30hrs on Tuesday, 22 October, officers based in Newham supported by Flying Squad colleagues stopped a car in High Street South, East Ham. The driver, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a parcel delivery van in addition to failing to stop for police and driving offences.

He was found to be in possession of a number of parcels which are believed to have been stolen less than 30 minutes earlier from a parcel delivery van in Newham. The driver of the van had briefly left his vehicle to deliver a parcel, when three males broke into the van and made off with a number of packages.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the two outstanding suspects.

In seeking to evade arrest, the arrested man’s vehicle collided with three police vehicles. Thankfully no officer was injured. The man was taken to hospital as a precaution due to injuries sustained during the collisions.

DCI Laura Hillier, Specialist Crime, said: “A team of police officers, including specialist Met Taskforce and Flying Squad detectives, are continuing an operation to tackle crime against parcel delivery firms and their staff.

“As one suspect found out this afternoon, we are using innovative tactics and dedicating significant resources to identify those believed to be responsible and arrest them.

“Anyone with information about people who commit these offences is urged to call 101 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers and quote Operation Soslink.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have named a man who died following a stabbing in Farringdon.

Abdul-Latif Pouget, aged 20 from Camden, sadly died in hospital on the morning of 21 October after being stabbed.

An investigation was launched after police were called to Back Hill, EC1 at 21:36hrs on Friday, 18 October, following reports of a moped colliding with a wall.

While paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were treating Abdul-Latif, they found he also had stab injuries. He was taken to hospital but sadly died. His family are aware and being supported by specialist officers.

Oguzcan Dereli, 26 (08.04.98) of Islington, was arrested on Sunday, 20 October and charged with murder the following day – he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 October and was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote reference CAD 8294/18Oct.

Alternatively, you can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.