A North London trio who tried to defraud Northerners by posing as police officers have been jailed. Imran Miah, 30, Shamant Sheraji, 26, and Andy Munoz-Cadena, 26, were sentenced for a total of more than seven years after using the courier fraud method on victims across Cleveland and North Yorkshire between October and November 2020.
Pretending to be coppers, the three conmen told victims their bank accounts were under threat and to take out cash which would be collected by a courier from their home. With help from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Cleveland Police were able to identify the men and arrest them before the victims lost any money.
All three admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation at Teesside Crown Court and were sentenced in June to:
- Imran Miah, of Clarence Gardens, Euston – three years and six months.
- Andy Munoz-Cadena, of Haden Court, Lennox Road, Finsbury Park – two years and six months.
- Shamant Sheraji, of Ray Walk, Andover Estate, Holloway – two years and three months.
Detective Sergeant Gillian Coulson said: “The impact on courier fraud victims is incredibly damaging. It not only sees their finances destroyed but the emotional impact can be just as severe. This result has been the work of a great team of officers and staff who I want to thank for their commitment and dedication to getting justice for these victims.
Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy added: “As part of Operation Sentinel, our region wide partnership approach to tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms, we will continue to target fraudsters and disrupt their criminal activity.
“Offenders typically target elderly or vulnerable people so we urge the public to speak to relatives and friends who may be more at risk and explain the dangers of courier fraud. Tell them that no bank or police officer will contact them to withdraw money from their account. They should hang up and call their bank’s Fraud Team by dialling 159.”
To report fraud, contact your local police force or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
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