Two fraudsters received prison terms for defrauding elderly victims in a sophisticated courier fraud scam. Mohammed Islam, 25, from Dagenham, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. On 23 April, Reading Crown Court sentenced him to one year and nine months in prison. The court also imposed a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order on release. This order restricts his mobile phone ownership and requires notice before hiring any vehicle.
Mahbub Hussain, also 25 and from London, stood trial for the same offence. After a six-day hearing, a jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit fraud. The judge handed him a two-year prison sentence. Both men must pay a victim surcharge within six months.
Impact on Victims and Community
In May 2024, Islam and Hussain launched their courier fraud operation. They targeted vulnerable seniors aged between 69 and 87 in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Herefordshire and West Sussex. The fraudsters posed as fictional officers—Sergeant Anthony Matthews and PC Gary Lambert. They called victims on their landlines and told them to hang up and dial 999. In reality, they kept the first call line open so victims believed they reached genuine police.
Over hours of phone calls, the pair urged victims to withdraw thousands of pounds. They claimed the money would expose fraud within banks and aid covert operations. Victims handed cash to “couriers,” who collected it from their doorsteps. Hussain rented two cars as mobile command centres. He kept multiple chargers in the vehicles to sustain long phone sessions. Between 9 and 21 May, the conspirators spent 60 hours on calls. One victim endured eight hours on the line. They requested £87,000 from seventeen victims in total. Swift police action limited their haul to just £9,000.
This scam preyed on fear, naivety and respect for police authority. Victims suffered stress and financial loss. Many feared arrest or financial ruin if they did not comply. One elderly victim reported sleepless nights after handing over thousands of pounds. Families felt angry and helpless, seeing loved ones fall victim to lies.
Detective Constable Patrycja Lesiakowska led the case. She described the defendants’ behaviour as cruel and calculated. “They ignored the wellbeing of vulnerable people,” she said. “They used an elaborate scheme to deceive victims into handing over money.” Her words underline the emotional toll such crimes impose on communities.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
Police first noticed similar reports of courier scams in May 2024. Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn explained courier fraud in court: “Criminals pose as authorities or trusted individuals to trick victims.” Investigators traced calls to hire cars in London and Oxfordshire and obtained CCTV footage showing the rented vehicles near the victims’ addresses.
Forensic analysis of phone data revealed call patterns lasting several hours. Officers then arrested Islam and Hussain at separate locations. During interviews, both men denied wrongdoing. Islam later changed his plea to guilty for conspiracy to commit fraud. Hussain maintained his innocence, but the jury found him guilty.
At sentencing, the judge highlighted the victims’ ages and vulnerability. He noted the defendants exploited trust in police institutions to commit fraud. Islam’s additional Serious Crime Prevention Order reflects the court’s view of his leadership role in the scheme.
Preventing Courier Fraud
Police and banks will never ask you to hand over cash, your bank card or PINs. They will never send couriers to your home to collect anything. Always follow these steps:
- Verify the caller’s identity: Hang up and dial 101 to check with your local police.
- Never transfer money on demand: Legitimate investigations do not require instant cash payments.
- Check phone numbers: Scammers can spoof official numbers. Always call back on a verified line.
- Ask for written confirmation: Genuine officers will send a letter on official-headed paper.
- Involve a trusted person: Discuss any unusual requests with a family member or friend.
- Report suspicions: Contact Action Fraud online or by phone immediately.
- Caller Identification: Installing caller ID apps and call-blocking tools can also add extra protection.
Courier fraud remains a significant threat to older people. Islam and Hussain’s convictions show police commitment to tackling these crimes. But scams evolve quickly. Staying informed and cautious offers the best defence. Share this advice with elderly relatives and neighbours. A simple conversation can prevent someone from losing their life savings. Report every suspicious call or visit to reduce fraud across the community. By verifying callers and refusing to hand over cash, you cut off the fraudster’s route. Stay alert, stay safe and protect your loved ones from courier fraud.
Sentencing Issues
Despite only securing £9,000, the pair aimed to steal £87,000, but this doesn’t seem to have been considered. Seventeen elderly victims endured hours of calls that robbed them of sleep and peace of mind. Families watched helplessly as loved ones handed over their life savings under false pretences. Yet Islam received just one year and nine months and Hussain two years in prison.
These soft sentences show fraudsters rarely face serious punishment. They send an obvious message: criminals can profit with minimal risk. Many victims still bear lasting emotional scars and severe anxiety. Until the courts match penalties to the seriousness of the crimes, fraud will remain to be seen as a low-risk crime in this country.
