'Ponzi' Suspect Pruthi And Associates Keep Their Addresses Secret

Three men charged in relation to a £40m Ponzi-style investment scam were committed to stand trial today and quashed reporting of their addresses in a bid to dodge angry victims.

They were arrested after City of London Police investigated Business Consulting International (BCI) and seized a stable of eight prestige cars, worth £800,000 including a Lamborghini, two Ferraris and several Bentleys plus jewellery and watches and £250,000 in cash.

They are: BCI boss Indian-born Kautilya Nandan Pruthi, 40,(pic.top) investment consultant John Cecil Anderson, 45,(pic.bottom r.) and investment consultant Kenneth Alun Peacock, 41,(pic.bottom l.).

Pruthi faces twenty-two charges that trading as BCI he dishonestly obtained money transfers, by deception, by falsely representing monies would be invested as high-interest short-term loans and that he intended and was able to repay the capital with interest on various dates between February 4, 2007 and August 2, 2008, contrary to the Fraud Act.

He also faces five charges of dishonestly obtaining money transfers, by deception, by falsely representing monies would be invested as high-interest short-term loans and that he intended and was able to repay the capital with interest on various dates between March 31, 2006 and August 22, 2008, contrary to the Theft Act.

Pruthi is additionally charged that on June 10, 2009 he concealed or disguised criminal property, namely the sale of a Maserati Gran Turismo, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He is further charged that between January 15, 2007 and November 26, 2008 he was knowingly party to running Business Consulting International for a fraudulent purpose, namely misusing investors' money for his own purpose, contrary to the Fraud Act.

Anderson and Peacock are both charged with carrying on an unauthorised regulated activity, contrary to section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, between March 31, 2007 and November 26, 2008 in relation to Anderson and between September 14, 2007 and November 26, 2008 in relation to Peacock.

There are twenty-seven individually named investor victims on the charges.

BCI was run from a rented Knightsbridge office at 1 Relton Mews.

City of London Magistrates' Court committed all three defendants to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on January 21.

The defendants were bailed on condition they surrender their passports, reside at their recorded addresses and not apply for travel documents.

Pruthi was additionally ordered to report to police twice a week and Anderson to report weekly.

They successfully applied for a Section 11 Contempt of Court Act order prohibiting publication of their addresses.

Brutal 4-On-1 Street Attack: CCTV Released

Police investigating a late-night gang attack, which left a 48 year-old man lying unconscious in the street with serious head injuries, have released these CCTV images of four suspects.

The victim was set upon in Castlehaven Road, Camden, North London at 3:15am on October 1 and the assailants fled on foot.

The man was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as serious, but stable.

Detective Constable Andrew Lock of Camden's Serious Violence Unit, states: “We have released CCTV images of four males and are urgently seeking their identities.

“I would urge anyone who recognises them to please come forward, and remember that all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Camden Police can be contacted on 0300 123 1212.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Luck Runs Out For Greedy Roulette Cheat

A notorious “brazen and determined” casino cheat – who specialised in switching and stealing roulette chips – has been jailed for using a string of false id’s to beat a nationwide ban and continuing his audacious crime spree.

Iran-born Bahram Sahami, 37, (pictured) of Coltman Street, Middlesbrough is an expert in using slight-of-hand to place bets after the ball had dropped and steal other gamblers’ chips.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to three counts of fraud, three of cheating at gambling and two theft charges and was sentenced to 46 weeks’ imprisonment.

Between March and July, last year Sahami – using identity cards and driver’s licences in false names – targeted London casinos and was caught on CCTV cheating at a Gala Coral Group casino.

Police believe the defendant made between £25 and £130 per cheat or theft and committed multiple offences per night.

Detective Inspector Ann-Marie Waller, of the Metropolitan Police Service's Human Exploitation and Organised Crime Command, said: “Sahami was a brazen and determined fraudster who cheated not only the casinos but fellow punters out of hundreds of pounds a time.

“The fact that he has pleaded guilty to theft and cheating at the roulette table is unusual as these offences are difficult to prove to the standards required for criminal court.”

Since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force on 1 September 2007 there have only been two other cases where cheating has been successfully prosecuted; one in Swansea and one in London.

Big Brother Star Denies Punching Two Men

Big Brother star Victor Ebuwa appeared at City of London Magistrates' Court today accused of attacking two men in the street.

The 29 year-old, of Field Road, Forest Gate, East London, who appeared in BB5 and returned for this year's Ultimate Big Brother, denies the charges.

Ebuwa (pictured leaving the courthouse) pleaded not guilty to assaulting Nick Sherrell and Anthony Tomlin by beating in the Minories, Moorgate on October 15.

He will return for a two-day trial next year and was released on unconditional bail.

Gun Teen Behind Bars

A teenager, who hid a loaded handgun in his family’s garden shed, has been locked-up for seven years after being arrested in a sudden police raid.

Samuel Ridgway, 19, (pictured) of Keedonwood Road, Bromley, South-East London claimed mystery men hid the lethal gun, but DNA linked him to the weapon.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of possessing the converted automatic pistol, plus 85 live shotgun cartridges on November 18, last year.

Officers acting on intelligence executed a search warrant at the address and stuffed inside a holdall in the garden shed they discovered the gun, which contained one live round.

When quizzed by police Ridgway claimed the gun must have belonged to unknown men he once spotted in the garden, but his DNA was found on the gun and holdall.

Detective Constable Dan Rankine of Lewisham Police said: “I am pleased with the sentence and hope that it sends a clear and strong message to the small minority of individuals who are involved in gun crime, that officers from Lewisham are one step ahead and will ensure that they are arrested and brought to justice.

“In this case we responded to fast time intelligence, quickly obtaining a search warrant and removing a loaded firearm from the street and in doing so, continuing to keep the public safe.”

Tube Commuter A Victim Of Violent 'Ipod Rage' Attack

A “shocked” Monday morning tube commuter was the victim of ‘ipod rage’ when repeatedly hit by a flurry of punches after politely asking a fellow-passenger to turn his loud music down.

Passengers were visibly upset by the loud relentless beat enjoyed by 33 year-old Troy Okwuosa, who flipped when tapped on the shoulder by product marketing manager Trevor Holt, 47.

Okwuosa, (pic.l.) of Devonport Road, Hammersmith, West London was convicted of assaulting Mr. Holt on the packed Circle Line train between Baker Street and Great Portland Street stations on December 7, last year.

“I was shocked, flabbergasted that a polite request to turn down loud and excessive music was met with such a reaction,” Mr. Holt (pic.r.) told City of London Magistrates’ Court.

“I took it on myself to tap the man on the shoulder,” said Mr. Holt, employed by ViewSonic Europe Ltd. at the City’s Tower 42.

“He took his earphone out of his ear, sneered at me and muttered: ‘Do you want to touch me again?’

“When I touched him on the shoulder the second time he exploded in rage and punched me five times, knocking my glasses off with the first punch.

“The force he was using to punch me was considerable,” added Berkshire commuter Mr. Holt who was left with bruising to his face and back.

“The carriage was full of passengers, we were shoulder to shoulder and the man asked: ‘Do you want some more?’

“It was overwhelming and I was surprised that I was being attacked on my Monday morning commute to work.”

Fellow-passenger engineer Geoffrey Hardwick, 54 agreed the noise was annoying. “There was loud music, very loud music from an ipod. It was one of those beats that gets on your nerves. It was so loud

“I think people are frightened to touch people to turn their music down, but I was thinking if I should ask the assailant to turn the noise down because it was bothering everyone.

“The assailant started to attack, flailing punches and the victim tried to defend himself by cowing down and was caught in the face.

“He said: ‘That’s what you get if you touch me. Do you want some more?”

“The punches were totally out of control, just flailing in. I was shocked and surprised,” added Mr. Hardwick. “He was throwing his whole weight into the guy.

“It was frightening because now you don’t feel confident asking someone to turn their music down.

“If the other passenger had not stopped the fight the victim would have been very badly hurt. He wanted to go back and do some more.”

T.V. editor James Caldwell, who jumped between the defendant and victim said: “The punches were very strong, they would hurt and they were to the head and body.”

Okwuosa was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, including 100 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £200 costs and £140 compensation to Mr. Holt.

Dr. Farooq Political Assassination: E-fit Released

Detectives hunting the killers of an exiled Pakistani politician repeatedly stabbed with a kitchen knife and battered with a brick outside his North London home have released an E-fit of the chief suspect.

Dr. Imran Farooq, 50, (pic.top) was attacked in Green Lane, Edgware on September 16 after returning home from work just before 5:30pm and police are assuming a political motive.

He sought asylum in the U.K. in 1999 and was a senior member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has a power-base in Karachi – Pakistan’s largest city.

The murder probe has now been taken over by SO15 – Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command.

The suspect (pic.bottom) is of Pakistani appearance, aged in his late 20s-early 30s, 5ft 4ins - 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, with piercing eyes, a pointed, pale-skinned face, short black/dark coloured hair, and a goatee-style beard. 



He was wearing a dark coloured baseball-style cap. 



Police also want to trace a second of similar race man in connection with the attack.

He is aged in his 30s, of stocky build, 5ft 9ins - 5ft 11ins tall, with short black hair.

Dr. Farooq was found suffering from stab wounds and head injuries. 



A post mortem examination gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma to the head. 



Police recovered a five and a half inch bladed kitchen knife and a house brick, which were used in the attack on Dr. Farooq. 


Police have carried out house-to-house inquiries and spoken to a number of witnesses, but they believe there are other people who may hold vital information about the incident and officers continue to urge them to come forward. 



It is vitally important that anyone with information should contact the police incident room on 020 8721 3784 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 



Dr. Farooq's widow Shumaila Imran has previously made a personal appeal for help in catching those responsible for the attack. 



She said: “I want to make my own personal appeal for help in catching the people who killed my husband Dr. Imran Farooq. 



“Dr. Imran Farooq was a dedicated family man, a loving father and loving husband. 



“His murder a week ago has devastated me and left our family in a state of shock and disbelief. 



“My husband was on his way home from work when he was set upon and attacked. 



“I want to appeal today for anyone who has any information about the attack on Imran to come forward and tell the police what they know. 



“Someone, somewhere knows something about my husband's murder. 



“It doesn't matter how insignificant this information may seem to you - it could be absolutely vital to the police investigation. 



“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and my family and sent us their best wishes and condolences. 



“I would also like to thank the police for their help and support during this very difficult time.”

Life For Escaped Muderer After 15 Year Rape Rampage

Justice has finally caught up with a dangerous predator who killed his girlfriend 15 years ago and raped two women while on the run.

Angolan-born Miguel Da Silva, 40, (pictured) escaped from a secure psychiatric hospital during a fire alarm in 1994 after confessing he strangled 44 year-old Susan Martin.

He fled to Spain under a false name where he raped one woman, then a second shortly after his release from prison and is still serving that sentence.

Da Silva was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of murdering mother-of-two Susan, who he throttled with a T-shirt at her flat in Aldridge Road Villas, Notting Hill, West London on September 24, 1994.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he serve a 16-year minimum.

The day after the murder – triggered by Susan’s vow to leave him - Da Silva walked into Paddington Green Police station with blood on his hand.

He confessed he "had a fight with Suzie" and had "beat her up."

Da Silva was arrested and remanded to a secure medical facility at what is now the New Ealing Hospital, West London.

However, when patients were evacuated outside during a fire alarm on March 17, 1995 Da Silva scaled a high wall and escaped.

A case review circulated his details and fingerprints in Portugal and Spain and he was traced to a Spanish prison and extradited to the UK.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command, based at Belgravia, said: “On the 25th of September 1994 Miguel Da Silva needlessly and callously took the life of Susan Martin.

“Following his arrest and charge, he escaped from hospital and had been on the run from the UK for fifteen years until we tracked him down to Spain.

“Sarah, Susan's daughter, bravely articulated in her 'impact statement' to court how the death of her mother has devastated the family. 



“I pay tribute to the family's courage and sincerely hope that the conviction today brings some solace and the beginnings of some closure for them. 



“No murder investigation is ever over until the person or persons responsible are brought to justice.

“This case demonstrates that, despite the passage of time, Da Silva was hunted down and has been held to account for his actions, thanks to the determination of the police.” 



Sarah Martin, daughter of Susan Martin, said: “I have been in limbo for the past sixteen years.

“It still feels like it happened yesterday and I feel the same rawness as I felt then.

“It is fair to say that when my mother was killed, our family fell apart.”


Sarah paid tribute to Susan, saying: “She was the best Mum a child could wish for. She was brilliant in every way.” 



She stressed that the murder had a devastating effect on the wider family, her uncles - Susan's brothers - Peter, John, Steven and Tommy Dutton - and also her brother Thomas, who was seventeen at the time of Susan's death. 



Sarah also told the court how her sorrow had been intensified by the fact that her mother never got the chance to meet her three grandchildren - Sarah has one daughter, and Thomas has two sons.

Six Years For Baseball Bat Bully-Boy

A baseball bat thug – who left his park bench victim with a busted nose and broken and chipped teeth – has been locked-up for six years.

Bobby Mehmet, 21, of Hazel Grove, Sydenham, South-East London (pic.top) knocked the victim out after confronting him in a local park.

Mehmet was convicted of the attack in Mayow Park, Sydenham (pic.bottom) on June 28, following a week-long trial at Croydon Crown Court.

The court heard the aggressive defendant and three others approached the 29-year-old victim, who was sitting with friends.

Mehmet accused the victim - who was vaguely known to him from the local area - of spreading rumours about him and without warning he struck the man in his face.

The defendant’s group fled the scene in a van and the victim was taken to hospital where was treated for a broken nose, broken and chipped teeth and various cuts to his nose and lips.



Police officers from Lewisham attended Mehmet’s home address and arrested him shortly after the assault. 



At the address they found the clothing he was wearing during the assault had recently been washed and a van matching the description of the van he left the park in was outside his address.



Detective Constable Robert Belcher of Lewisham Borough CID, said: “This was a vicious assault by a man with a minor gripe who thought nothing of arming himself with a baseball bat and assaulting another person.



“Officers from Lewisham acted quickly to identify and arrest Mehmet and we are delighted with the sentence he has received.



“Police officers in Lewisham will work tirelessly to arrest and bring to justice those who think it is acceptable to commit violence - it is not.

“It is destructive to the community and ruins lives.”

Predatory Rapist Trapped By Hair

This is the face of a rapist who broke into a 37 year-old woman’s home and is now beginning an eight-year prison sentence after being trapped by a hair left on the victim’s dressing gown.

Michael Chukwudi Anigbugu, 34, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court on two counts of rape and sexual assault at the address in Edmonton, North London on October 10, last year.

Anigbugu broke into the woman's home between 2:00am and 03:00am and attacked the terrified victim.

He was arrested on March 12 and his DNA profile matched the hair he left at the scene.

Detective Inspector Daniel Smith of the Metropolitan Police Sapphire Unit said: “This type of attack is rare.

“Anigbugu was successfully convicted thanks to the victim's courage, the good work of forensic scientists and the dedication and skill of the officers involved in the investigation. 



“I would like to pay tribute to the victim who despite suffering such a terrible ordeal has demonstrated remarkable courage.

“I hope she is able to find some comfort knowing she has assisted in taking a dangerous individual off our streets.



“The Metropolitan Police takes all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and we will investigate thoroughly.

“We encourage any victims of this crime to report it to police. Be assured every assistance and support will be offered.”

Bank-Snatch Teen Getaway Driver Behind Bars

A teenage getaway driver, who leapt from his moving van during a dramatic police chase after a violent £25,000 bank cash snatch, was locked-up for two years yesterday.

Osei Sarpong, 19, of Barlborough Street, New Cross pleaded guilty to robbery outside LloydsTSB, Crescent Arcade, Greenwich, South-East London (pictured) on June 17.

Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Turner told Woolwich Crown Court a security van was delivering cash boxes to the bank at 11.30am.

“As one security guard carried the boxes to the bank the second guard inside the van noticed a young man at a nearby bus stop staring at the van.

“On the seventh cash box trip the man ran at the guard and tried to grab the container, which was thrown by the guard into the back of the van.

“The pair struggled and there was kicking by the suspect who managed to grab the container and escape in a white transit van.”

The alarm was raised and police quickly identified the getaway van and gave chase.

“The driver, this defendant, failed to stop and kept going and jumped from the vehicle while it was still moving,” added Mr. Turner.

Police then quickly caught up with Sarpong and arrested him and his accomplice.

“Robbery is a serious offence, not only in terms of the amount of money you stole, but also the trauma that is suffered by the people guarding that money,” Judge Peter Murphy told the defendant.

“This could only have been committed with a certain amount of planning and it was executed with some skill.”

Sarpong was sentenced to two years detention in a young offenders institution.

Celebrity Beauty Expert Cleared

A royal make-up artist-to-the-stars, accused of carrying a terrified television producer on the bonnet of her car moments after hurling a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse, was cleared of all charges today.

Beauty expert Teresa Fairminer, 59, who took care of the Duchess of Cornwall's hair and make-up for her wedding to Prince Charles and boasts of a string of celebrity clients walked free from Isleworth Crown Court.

She was found not guilty to driving her silver Mini Cooper dangerously in Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, West London on March 9 and causing criminal damage to t.v. boss Dominic Moran's £600 Prada spectacles.

Fairminer, of Park Road, Chiswick told the jury during the week-long trial she was the target of a campaign of humiliation orchestrated by Mr. Moran who she described as "vindictive."

She said he even turned up with a film crew to her first appearance at Feltham Magistrates' Court.

"I am a victim of rage-transfer," she said after the verdicts, explaining she became the target of Mr. Moran's anger because she was his ex Suzie Fox's best friend and the couple had a bitter break-up.

"This case has effected all of my life all of this year. I am my business."

Mr. Moran, 51, boss of Chiswick Life TV, had emailed Fairminer telling her he was "very disappointed" she pulled out of a make-up consultancy for his niece's wedding in return for two free programmes he made for her.

She admitted in court saying "bollocks" twice during the office confrontation, but denied it was the torrent of abuse described by Mr. Moran.

She was "very concerned" her exclusive business had two videos deleted from Mr. Moran's website and described briskly entering his office after rehearsing what to say.

"I could not get a word," she told the jury. "I asked him again and again: 'Please listen to me,' but he would not listen."

Fairminer admitted snatching the specs because she feared Mr. Moran - who she claims was waving them about - would poke her in the eye.

Outside she was "scared" when followed by Mr. Moran. "I heard a bang at the front of my car and was alarmed.

"I never tried to run him down. I did not accelerate."

She said Mr. Moran's feet never left the ground and he could have moved aside anytime as she gently rolled forward.

When the verdict's were announced Mr. Moran vowed: "This is not over" and promised to upload the CCTV footage to his website.

Fairminer has also given expert beauty tips on shows including GMTV, This Morning, The Clothes Show and Style Challenge.

Paedo Caretaker Exposed By Residents

An Internet paedophile – arrested after worried neighbours tipped-off police – had 295 sickening child sex images on his computer when officers raided his flat.

Housing Association caretaker John Alexander, 61, of Melvin Hall, Golders Green Road, Golders Green, North London (pictured) pleaded guilty to five sample counts of possessing indecent images of children on July 27.

Prosecutor Mr. Travers Sinanan told Wood Green Crown Court on Friday: “The defendant’s home was searched and he was arrested after concerns raised in the local community about an inappropriate relationship.

“They were concerned the relationship between Alexander and two autistic males aged fourteen and seventeen was not natural and that there may have been some sexual activity.”

Officers armed with a search warrant seized the defendant’s computer and found the indecent downloads, which he initially claimed were Internet “pop ups” he had no control over.

In 1990 Alexander was convicted of similar offences in Holland and received an eighteen month suspended sentence.

The defendant has been in custody since August 4 and as a result of his arrest and conviction has lost his job and home.

“This is a person who needs help and support,” said Mr. William Hopper, defending. “The defendant has served the equivalent of a six month sentence.”

Judge Jeff Blackett told Alexander: “My concern is that your sexual predilection is looked into and you are helped. There is no point in locking you up.”

Alexander was placed on a three-year community order, which includes a community Internet sex offender treatment order.

He was also made subject to a Sex Offender’s Prevention Order, prohibiting access to the Internet and close contact with children aged less than sixteen years-old.