Burglars 'Fence' Jailed For Firearms Hoard

A fence, who was caught with a sawn-off shotgun and illegal ammo after a stolen computer was traced to his home via a California tip-off, is starting a four-and-a-half year sentence.

Ousama Rhanmia, 25, (pictured) of Bedford Hill, Balham had property from ten different London burglaries at his home when officers raided it on January 8.

He was convicted at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court of possession of the shortened shotgun, 23 rounds of ammunition, 46 CS gas cannisters, a silencer and three 9mm rounds as well as handling stolen goods.

Rhanmia was traced after a burglary in Elm Road, Kingston-upon-Thames on January 26, last year when items including a desktop computer, laptops and an iPhone were taken.

On February 2 a Californian friend of the burglary victim reported files were being deleted on their shared 'Dropbox' folder and the stolen laptop was traced by police to Rhanmia.

Detective Sergeant Tony Skinner, from Kingston CID, said: "This was a protracted investigation which uncovered thousands of pounds worth of stolen property from burglaries committed across London not to mention deadly weapons.



"It has taken eighteen months of hard work to get this result and thanks must go to Detective Constable Nicola Stopps who oversaw the case from the beginning.

“Her diligence paid off resulting in Rhanmia's conviction today."