Elderly residents in Carlisle and Workington faced a ruthless courier fraud scam last year. Two men, 39-year-old Bilal Akhter and 20-year-old Muhammed Shahzeb posed as police officers and convinced pensioners that their bank accounts were at risk. Over two days in September, the duo and accomplice Iuliana Nicolae collected cash at victims’ doors. By the end of one day, they had taken almost £30,000 from eight people in their 80s. All three later admitted conspiring to steal, and Shahzeb also pleaded guilty to unlawful shotgun possession.
Courier fraud preys on trust in authority figures. Scammers call victims on their landline phones, using spoofed numbers to mimic police. They claim fraudsters have infiltrated the victim’s bank and are told to create a secret passcode. Then, they must hand over cash and or valuables to a “courier” at a set location. The victim believes this protects their money. Instead, the courier is part of the scam. This method keeps victims compliant and unaware until it’s too late.
The Investigation and Arrests
In this case, the ringleader called himself “Magic Monroe.” Police have not yet identified that individual. On 23 September, a fake officer called multiple households across Cumbria and urged each victim to withdraw large sums. One 84-year-old woman fetched £7,000 in Workington. She drove to an ASDA car park for the handover despite pleading for more time to take her medication. Shahzeb and Nicolae, wearing masks, met her with open hands. They repeated this tactic long into the evening, targeting other vulnerable individuals.
Cumbria Police launched an inquiry after one couple refused to hand over extra cash. They reported waiting for a courier with £6,447 to deliver. Officers tracked the suspects to a vehicle leaving a victim’s home. They arrested Akhter and Nicolae at the scene. Three days later, detectives arrested Shahzeb. A search of his home revealed almost £2,000 in cash. In his car, they found a balaclava and two baseball bats. All evidence linked the trio to the fraud operation.
At Reading Crown Court, prosecutor Lucy Todd detailed the offences. She explained how the calls and handovers unfolded. Judge Nicholas Barker reviewed 37 prior convictions against Akhter. He sentenced him to 37 months in prison. Nicolae, with no previous record, received seven months’ custody. Shahzeb, also with no prior convictions, gained two years behind bars. All three must pay a victim surcharge within six months of release.
Impact on Victims
The financial losses ran into tens of thousands. One couple lost £11,476 before police intercepted another £6,447. Another victim reported losing £12,300. A third noted a £4,550 cash withdrawal. None received compensation from their banks. These sums decimated fixed incomes and savings. Beyond money, victims faced lasting emotional harm.
An 83-year-old man wrote, “I struggled to sleep. I still feel stupid.” He described a constant sense of vulnerability. The daughter of another victim detailed that new locks and door chains had been fitted at home. Her parents installed extra window locks and even braced an internal door with wood. They no longer felt safe in their own house. An 84-year-old widower said, “I now avoid talking to strangers. I feel anxious and lonely.”
Expert Advice
You must learn to recognise the warning signs of courier fraud. Always question unsolicited calls claiming to be from the police. Real officers will never ask you to hand over cash or meet couriers. They work through official channels, not private individuals. If someone calls claiming to be an officer, hang up immediately. Then dial 101, the official police non-emergency number. Verify the caller’s identity and the existence of any investigation. Never use call-back details provided by the original caller.
Do not share your bank details or passcodes over the phone. Genuine authorities will never request your PIN or password. If you feel pressured, pause and seek advice from a trusted friend or family member. If you suspect fraud, act fast. Contact your bank to freeze your account. Then, report the crime to Action Fraud online or by phone at 0300 123 2040. Provide all details, including call times, phone numbers and any messages.
Courier fraud has left a lasting mark on the residents of Carlisle and Workington. But communities can fight back through awareness and preparation. By sharing honest stories of victims, we warn others of the same fate. Police and agencies must continue collaborating to catch the unseen “Magic Monroe.” Stronger sentences will deter future fraudsters. A combination of vigilance, clear verification steps, and open discussion can shield the most vulnerable. Together, we can turn the tide against these calculated criminals.
