Fraudsters pretending to be a DC Martin Rose jailed for series of courier scams across Hertfordshire

Two men who were involved in a series of courier scams across Hertfordshire have been jailed for more than eight years in total.

The men were involved in courier fraud offences between October 2019 and January 2020, in which they contacted vulnerable people, pretending to be a DC Martin Rose.

The victims were informed that their bank accounts were being used by fraudsters and asked to withdraw money, purchase high value items or provide bank cards. A courier was then despatched to the victims’ addresses to collect these items.

The men conned more than £10,000 out of victims in the Watford and Welwyn Garden City areas.

The men were found in possession of a mobile phone upon arrest which contained a script in the name of DC Martin Rose, that they read out when contacting the victims. The phone also contained a voice recording of a call to a victim.

Ishmail Sarwar, 24, of High Road, Willesden, and Zhaigham Kiyani, 26, of Craigmuir Park, Wembley, appeared at court on 21 April, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.

On Tuesday, May 18, Sarwar was sentenced to four years and 10 months imprisonment and Kiyani was sentenced to four years imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Rob Burns, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “Courier fraud has been a significant concern in the county for a number of years.

"They often target vulnerable victims who can lose thousands of pounds to these scams.

“It can be very difficult to catch those responsible, they often change tactics when a scam becomes known but they very good at convincing their victims to part with money and they are often long gone by the time the police are alerted.

"Anyone in a similar situation should be aware that police officers will never contact you in this way or ask you to withdraw money, make electronic transfers or purchase goods and vouchers. If you are in any doubt contact the police on 101 using a different phone.”

You can listen to a mock scam phone call here. For more advice on fraud visit the Hertfordshire Police website.

Did you know?

Phones are now available that automatically block withheld numbers, which can be used by offenders. People’s service providers may also be able to assist with blocking unwanted calls.

Further information is available from Action Fraud – the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.