'Black Magic' Fraud Suspect Wanted For £400K Swindle

An alleged 'Black Magic' fraudster is on the run after a middle-aged woman was conned out of over £400,000 she paid in remedy fees.

Muhammed Ashraf, 37, of no fixed abode, is wanted for questioning by officers from Hounslow, west London for his part in defrauding the 57-year-old woman over a two-year period between April, 2013 and November, 2015.

The victim reported to officers on November 25, 2015 that in March, 2013 she received a leaflet through her letterbox claiming to provide services to people suffering from 'dangerous black magic.'

In June, 2013 the victim contacted the mobile number on the leaflet and spoke to a man to enquire about using his service.

She agreed to meet an unknown man at a property on Delamere Road, Southall, where she paid him £350 in return for his help.

She was led to believe this was a one-off payment and was not told that the fees would increase in the future.

A week later the suspect contacted the victim and told her that her problems were too complicated and he required more money to help her.

He stated he needed an extra £90,000. The victim questioned this, but agreed to pay £60,000 cash instead.

From then until November, 2015 the suspect and the victim met approximately once every two weeks, and on each occasion he demanded more money.

Sometimes when the man was not able to meet, Ashraf would attend instead and collect the money.

Later in the month, Ashraf told the victim that the man had passed away.

He then made her delete any contact number or messages from him from her phone.

She then reported the matter to police.

Three weeks after speaking to the police, the victim saw Ashraf driving a blue Hyundai with the registration number AD14 NAZ in Southall.

This was the last known sighting of Ashraf.

Detective Constable Ben Lawrence-Smith, from Hounslow CID, said: "Although this offence happened a number of years ago, we still appeal to the public for their help in locating Ashraf.

"Ashraf is an Asian male who at the time of his involvement in defrauding the victim had a beard and moustache. He is known to sometimes use the surname Ali, and may be residing in the Midlands."

Anyone with any information can contact police at Hounslow CID on 020 8247 6160 or tweet @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.