Chinese Couple Jailed For Passport Scam

A Chinese couple, arrested during a police swoop on their South London home, which resulted in the seizure of six bogus passports, have been jailed.

Pregnant Zhao Xin, 24, claimed she was sitting English tests at £200 a time on behalf of immigrants and £20,000 had passed through her bank account in just eleven days.

Ex-student Qi Lou, 26, who arrived in the UK in 2007, admitted he was an illegal overstayer, and the Home Office have started deportation proceedings.

Xin pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to five counts of possessing a false identity document, namely a forged Chinese passport, with intent.

Lou similarly admitted possessing one false identity document, namely a forged Chinese passport, with intent.

On February 22, police armed with a search warrant, raided their Woolwich home and searched the premises.

Xin produced one of the forged passports – claiming it was hers – and the other four were found by police.

All were in different names, but contained her photograph.

Xin, who is six-months pregnant, claimed she could not work and needed money so sat exams for fellow countrywomen.

She was supplied the passports after responding to an internet ad, she claimed, and Lou insisted his forgery came form the same source.

Xin has an interpreter’s qualification from Middlesex University and told police she had sat just three exams on behalf of others.

Judge Simon Pratt told the defendants: “The possession of forged passports is now so prevalent the integrity of entire countries passports systems are in danger.

“You duped the examining body into believing you were the stated person on the passports so you could take exams for other people.”

Xin was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, which will automatically trigger deportation proceedings and Lou received ten months.

Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act will follow.

'Good Samaritan' Rioters Jailed

Three yobs who robbed a Malaysian student, who suffered a fractured jaw during last summer’s riots, have been jailed.

Reece Donovan, 22, (pic.top) of Milton Cross Road, Chadwell Heath and John Kafunda, 22, (pic.mid.) of Eastwood Road, Ilford targeted the injured victim.

Beau Isagba, 18, (pic.bottom) of Icknield Drive, Ilford had already injured Mohammed Asyraf Raziq Rossli, who was charged by a 100-strong mob in East London.

Donovan received five years; Kafunda three-and-a-half years and Isagba four-and-a-half years for robbing the student and looting shops during the riot.

At 7.20pm on August 8, last year Mr. Rossli and a friend were attacked by the mob, which included Isagba, as they pushed their bikes along Queens Road, Barking.

As he nursed his fractured jaw by the roadside Donovan and Kafunda approached and while pretending to assist him, rifled through his rucksack – taking a mobile phone and Sony PSP.

Donovan walked off with the items and was also identified as being amongst 20-30 hooded and scarved youths who looted a local Tesco’s.

Another Arrest In Croydon Riots Murder Investigation

Police investigating the murder of a father-of-four – shot in the head during last summer’s Croydon riots – have now arrested a seventh suspect.

Trevor Ellis, 26, (pictured) of Brixton Hill was with a group of friends and was a passenger in a car involved in a high-speed chase on August 8, last year.

Operation Trident detectives – who investigate black-on-black violent crime – are continuing to investigate the shooting and are appealing for witnesses.

Last Tuesday a 21 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody at a South London police station. He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

Mr. Ellis was shot just before 9.20pm in Duppas Hill Road, near the junction with Warrington Road.

He was rushed to St. George’s Hospital, Tooting, but was pronounced dead the next day.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hutchison said: “Trevor Ellis was murdered on a night where Croydon, and in fact London, saw unprecedented levels of violence and disorder.

“I believe his killers were actively involved in looting and responsible for robbing at least two people that night.

“They thought nothing of arming themselves with a gun and ultimately taking a young man’s life leaving four young children without a father.

“I want anyone who was in central Croydon that night who saw this group or may have images of them on their cameras or phones to come forward.”

It is believed Mr. Ellis’s group became involved in an altercation with a group of approximately nine individuals.

This culminated in a vehicle pursuit involving three vehicles, which started in Scarbrook Road, Croydon, passing along the A232 flyover into Duppas Hill Road where Mr Ellis was shot.

Detectives are also appealing for anyone who witnessed the pursuit, which involved a dark coloured estate car and silver hatchback - believed to have been driven by the group of nine - and a dark coloured hatchback, in which Mr Ellis was a passenger.

Anyone with information relating to any aspect of the incident is asked to call the incident room on 020 8247 4553; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of handling stolen goods and have since been released with no further action.

On August 11 a 24 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, followed by a 26 year-old man the next day and a 27 year-old and 24 year-old man on August 13.

On August 18 a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 26 year-old man on November 25.

All are due to answer bail on April 17.

Burglars Who Fought Woman Victim Jailed

Two serial burglars who fought with one determined female victim when caught raiding her flat – resulting in all three tumbling down a staircase – have been locked-up.

They are: Lee Stevens, 42, (pic.top) of Lever Street, Islington, who received ten-and-half years and William Flynn, 28, (pic.bottom) of South Avenue, Chingford, who received seven years.

They were convicted at Southwark Crown Court of burgling and robbing the woman at her Westminster flat.

She caught them after returning from local shops and was pushed against a wall by one of the defendants who placed his arm against her throat while his accomplice rifled through her handbag.

The woman grabbed one by the collar as they tried to flee and all three fell down the communal staircase, ending up in a pile on the ground floor.

The victim was then thrown against a wall and her mobile phone ripped from her possession.

Five days later they were caught during another burglary in The Green, Great Bentley, Clacton, Essex and were caught by police.

Detective Constable Jody Stanger of the Westminster Burglary and Motor Vehicle unit said: “The actions of these two men had such a profound impact upon the victim that she felt she had to move from the area where she lived.

“The length of both sentences, reflect the seriousness of the offences and the danger both men pose to the public.

“It is a great result for the Westminster Burglary Team and I hope it goes some way to achieving closure for the victim.”

Robbers Jailed For £2M Dubai Royal Family Cash Snatch

Two armed robbers, who snatched £2m in cash belonging to the Dubai royal family outside a West end bank, have been jailed today.

They are: jobless Trevor Mair, 45, (pic.top) of Brierley, New Addington, Croydon, who received 9 years and jobless Jonathan Haynes, 37, (pic.bottom) of Haroldslea Drive, Horley, Surrey, who received 14 years.

Two suitcases stuffed with fifty-pound notes were collected by two men working for the royals at the National Bank of Dubai in Bail Street on June 24, last year.

Two bank staff accompanied the men to their car parked outside, where a gunman approached and said: “Give me the money or I’ll blow your brains out.”

He grabbed one of the suitcases and his accomplice took the other and the robbers fled on foot.

Police were quickly given descriptions of the pair and five minutes later officers from the Met’s Diplomatic Protection Group – who effectively provide a ceremonial role outside sensitive buildings – saw them in Cadogan Square.

Mair was pulling a suitcase towards a parked car and Haynes was sitting in the driver’s seat.

All the cash was recovered and the next day an unloaded Glock pistol was found nearby.

Jobcentre Civil Servants Accused Of £1.7M Benefit Scam

Three Jobcentre civil servants were involved in a £1.7m plot involving at least 1,767 bogus claims for maternity benefit, tax credit and jobseekers allowance, a court heard yesterday.

They abused their authorised access to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) database too research claimants all over the country and make multiple fraudulent claims on their behalf, Croydon Crown Court (pictured) was told.

They are: Anthony Ekajeh, 48, of Pinewood Avenue, Rainham; Fiayo Akinwumiju, 35, of The Sycamore, Brighton Road, Coulsdon and Olufemi Kehinde, 47, of Bollo Bridge Road, Acton.

Accused of assisting them are: Folahan Akinwumiju, 34, of Narev Court, Cedar Avenue, Enfield; Charles Okedare, 40, of Barass Close, Enfield and Wale Akande, 45, of Lovett Way, Willesden.

"All six defendants are alleged to have been involved in a sophisticated and organised fraud targeted against the benefit system," said prosecutor Mr. Andrew Evans.

"It was carried out by submitting a large of false benefit claim forms and the claimants had no idea these claims had been made and did not complete or sign the forms.

"Their identities had been hijacked.

"A large number of claims were made for Sure Start Maternity Grants (SSMG) a one-off five hundred pound payment to help persons on benefits or low income to buy clothes or equipment for their new baby," added Mr. Evans.

A total of 1,562 bogus SSMG claims were made, plus 205 false claims to HMRC for tax credits and a lesser amount of jobseeker claims, totalling £4,515.

The civil servants in the dock were all at executive officer grade and Ekajeh worked at Dagenham Jobcentre; Akinwumiju at Crawley and Kehinde at Fulham.

The vast majority of the false claims were paid into Post Office Card Accounts (POCA). "They had also been opened in hijacked identities," said Mr. Evans.

"The three absent defendants can be linked to SSMG's that were falsified or to the POCA's to which the benefit payments are made.

"Accounts were opened in their names or the names of their family or in one case a company under their control."

Ekajeh was suspended in March 2010 after ten years in the civil service, where he also had a deputy management role and responsibility for the stock room, which contained blank claim forms.

"He was seen coming out of the stock room wearing an outdoor coat and carrying a plastic pouch that seemed quite full.

"From July 2009 he carried out a large number of unauthorised searches outside the area of the Dagenham Jobcentre and in his last month searched 105 other offices around the country in relation to 1600 clients.

"He played a key and principal role in these three frauds.

"He was also involved in yet another fraud, diverting payments of genuine jobseeker claims," added Mr. Evans. "He altered the bank details into which the payments should have been made."

Fiayo Akinwumiju was suspended in August, 2009. "In two weeks he accessed forty-three customers he had no legitimate reason to access.

"Shortly after false SSMG claims were made in their identities. In one hour he looked up twenty-four different benefit customers and thirty-six claims were made in the names of those customers.

"In a six-month period fifty-two customers were accessed and false tax credit claims were made in their names."

Kehinde was suspended on October 1, 2010. "On three dates he used the search facility to identify and access benefit customers all over the country and false SSMG claims were made in their identities.

"He also made searches in Bedford and yielded fifteen customers and twenty-one claims were made in those names that were false.

"All the searches were carried out after 6pm when the office was closed. He also played a key role in the fraud."

Folahan Akinwumiju claimed income support as a single parent and was arrested when his fingerprints were found on a bogus claim form and his home searched by police.

"They found a vast quantity of documents for various bank accounts, with various banks and in various names."

Three POCA cards were seized. "They were the end user accounts into which the fraudulent SSMG claims were paid."

Okedare was arrested in August, 2010. "Twenty POCA cards were found in his car and eighteen of them either received or requested fraudulent payments."

The jury were told Okedare was also captured on CCTV at a Post Office in nearby Bush Hill Park using POCA cards in the fraud to withdraw cash.

His handwriting was also identified on fraudulent claims and he had a National Insurance number on his phone involved in a bogus claim.

Akande was arrested in September, 2010. "His fingerprint was identified on two SSMG claim forms and he can also be linked via the accounts."

The six defendants, all of Nigerian origin, have pleaded not guilty to conspiring between January 1, 2009 and October 2, 2010 to defraud the DWP out of £820,000.

Ekajeh and Fiayo Akinwumiju alone deny conspiring between November, 2005 and July, 2010 to defraud HMRC out of £898,000.

Ekajeh alone denies conspiring to defraud the DWP out of £4,515.

A seventh defendant, Akinmayowe Aiyeola, 46, of Primrose Lane, Croydon has already pleaded guilty to all three counts.

The trial is expected to last two months.

Receptionist Accuser Was "Exhibitionist" Says Sex Case Doc

A G.P. accused of groping his receptionist told a jury yesterday the woman was "overtly friendly" towards him and potentially held a grudge after her snubbed her birthday.

Dr. Ayoola Makanjuola, 53, who also denies fondling a patient, insisted the out-of-hours clinic was not as isolated as the woman claimed, with two other members of staff often present - contrary to her evidence.

The G.P. of Page Street, Mill Hill has pleaded not guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to six counts of indecently assaulting the 43 year-old between March 31 and June 4, 2002 at the 'Harmoni' surgery in Borehamwood.

"She said funny things, strange things that you cannot explain," he told the jury. "It got to the point where I thought I would have to do something about it.

"She was an extrovert to the point of exhibitionism and dressed loudly both in terms of colours and her tight outfits, which were more appropriate for an outing than work.

"She accused me of reporting her to Harmoni for inappropriate dress and behaviour after I failed to get her anything for her birthday.

"I think she was expecting me to come to her birthday party and bring a present and a card."

The doctor, who has practiced medicine for thirty years, added: "I became more wary and withdrawn. I did not let the relationship develop."

The receptionist reported him to the General Medical Council and the G.P. was cleared of misconduct charges by a tribunal.

"I have gone through a double punishment and the pain of being accused of baseless things," said Dr. Makanjuola. "It has been traumatic to say the least."

He claimed her evidence before the GMC and jury was inconsistent. "Her story keeps changing and she cannot give specific times."

The receptionist made a statement to police, complaining she was groped while working alone with Dr. Makanjuola a decade earlier.

"He remarked to her that she had a 'sexy body' and asked if she had a boyfriend and when she last had sex," prosecutor Mr. David Markham told the jury. "He made it clear he was sexually attracted to her.

"He approached her from behind as she was working and touched her breasts and on another occasion grabbed her arm and directed it towards his penis.

"He also grabbed her from behind and pulled her towards him so she could feel his penis was erect and placed his hand in the area of her vagina."

Dr. Makanjuola also denies four counts of sexually assaulting a 25 year-old patient at his surgery in Bell Hill, Bicknoller, Barnet between October 27, 2008 and January 20, last year.

Trial continues………..

X-Factor Yob Glassed Girl In Bar Row

An notorious X-Factor double reject was "abused" by drinkers in a late-night bar before smashing a wine glass over a young woman's head - knocking her unconscious - a court heard yesterday.

George Gerasimou, 20, (pic.l.) of Giesbach Road, Archway, who famously flopped twice on the talent show in 2009 and last year, put the victim in hospital for three days when a row erupted over drinks he spilled.

"My head was cut open," 25 year-old Samantha Vohmann (pic.r.) told Wood Green Crown Court. "I had to have a scan and they took glass out of my skull and stitched me up."

She and three friends were at the end of a five hour pub crawl at the Maze Inn, Southgate on September 4, last year and complained Gerasimou didn't buy them replacement drinks.

"I was having an argument and got hit on the head," Miss Vohmann told the jury. "I must have fallen down the steps on to the floor, but I don't remember anything else because I was unconscious."

She admits being "drunk" and "unsteady on her feet" after consuming approximately eight drinks during the evening.

Gerasimou's lawyer Mr. Graeme Wilson suggested his client had been "abused" and "ribbed" by customers telling, the victim: "You and your friends were hurling abuse at Mr. Gerasimou."

Prosecutor Mr. Nana Owusuh told the jury it was 2.30am when the girls left their drinks on a table while they danced.

"They noticed the defendant sit on that table and because of his appearance on X-Factor they recognised him and moved towards the table to be nearer the drinks.

"As one of them approached this defendant stood up and the drinks got knocked over.

"They asked him to apologise and an altercation ensued. There was no apology from Mr. Gerasimou or replacement drinks offered."

Bar staff offered replacement drinks, but the row continued.

"The complainant was close to Mr. Gerasimou and in a second the defendant, who was holding a wine glass, used it as a weapon and hit her over the head with the rim," added Mr. Owusuh.

"She fell to the floor and was knocked unconscious and police and an ambulance were called.

"Mr. Gerasimou ran away from the incident, but security took him back into a holding room and the police spoke to him."

When quizzed the defendant answered "no comment" to officers.

Before the trial Recorder Brian O'Neill QC told the jury: "You will hear the defendant has appeared on X-Factor on two occasions and a number of witnesses recognised him from the television programme.

"You must not attempt to find out any information about his appearances on X-Factor."

Gerasimou has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, with intent, and a lesser charge of wounding.

Trial continues.............

'Seat Rage' Co. Director Sentenced For Boozy Train Attack

A "loutish, boorish and drunken" company director left a fellow commuter permanently scarred after a 'seat rage' attack on a late-night train.

Financial consultant Kevin Fowler, 45, (pictured) punched the victim, who had placed his laptop bag on a seat, causing a 2.5cm cut under his left eye.

When quizzed by police after a night in a cell he complained: "I'm a middle-aged, middle-class bloke standing up for the rights of rail travellers, who have a right to use a seat."

Fowler, of Withdean Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing was convicted of assaulting 38 year-old account manager Adrian Farthing on August 4, last year.

He was sentenced today to a twelve month community order, which includes 200 hours community service work and ordered to pay £1500 compensation to the victim and £550 costs.

The Brighton victim told Croydon Magistrates' Court he was sitting on a train at London Bridge Station at 11.15pm.

"A gentleman came in, picked up my leather laptop bag and threw it onto my lap. He said he had a ticket and every right to sit there," Mr. Farthing told the court.

"He threatened me with words along the lines of: 'You'd better shut up before I shut you up.'

"I laughed and turned away, which may have inflamed the situation and provoked him into hitting me over the head.

"There was a blow and I was knocked forward and must have hit the tray in front of me to cause the cut on my face.

"He was very, very drunk, his words were slurry and he was very, very rude and arrogant."

Fowler, who insisted he had no more than four or five complementary pints after a business seminar, told the court: "I felt it was anti-social behaviour. He had his bag on the seat and food on the flip-down tray in front of that seat.

"When I put the bag in his lap it was not with undue force.

"I was irritated, but not annoyed. He laughed at me in a way to demean me. He was being very sarcastic."

Fowler claimed he was attempting to defend himself from Mr. Farthing when his wristwatch caught the complainant's eye.

He insisted the victim kicked him and produced a photograph of an ankle injury to the court.

The first-time offender was arrested at East Croydon Station and questioned the next day.

"To my disappointment I was treated like a common criminal and spent a sleepless night in a cell. I have never been in trouble before.

"The whole thing is an embarrassment. This was more like school playground behaviour than how a middle-aged, middle-class bloke like me should behave."

District Judge Justin Barron told Ex-Barclays man Fowler, who employs fifty staff: "Your behaviour has been described as loutish, drunken and boorish.

"Your demeanour in the witness stand has come over as aggressive and sarcastic and it is far more likely you received that injury through your own drunken behaviour.

"The complainant received a two and a half centimetre laceration below the left eye and is permanently scarred."

Random Beating In South London: Witnesses Sought

A cyclist battered a 34 year-old lone woman into unconsciousness as she strolled in South London before punching a man moments later.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the unprovoked attack near Costcutters, (pictured) Norwood Road, Herne Hill on the evening of February 29.

The victim was walking home at 10.50pm when the cyclist suddenly mounted the pavement behind her.

She was punched repeatedly in the head and collapsed unconscious onto the pavement with serious injuries.

The suspect then continued cycling along the pavement and punched another man before fleeing.

Both attacks appear to have no motive at this time and the woman remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The suspect is described as a black man, wearing a long dark coat and riding a mountain bike.

A 49 year old man has been arrested and remains in custody at a south London police station.



This incident is being investigated by Southwark police.

Any person who witnessed any part of these incidents or has information should telephone 0207 232 6145 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Lottery Win Fraudster Jailed For Scamming Pensioner

A heartless conman who targeted an 83 year-old woman, who paid £26,920 in ‘fees’ to release a bogus £200,000 lottery win, was jailed for sixteen months on Thursday.

Nigerian father-of-three Sergius Ene, 43, (pictured) of Rushton Gardens, Ilford received the bulk of the money swindled from the Northampton pensioner, who has not seen a penny since.

He pleaded guilty to unlawfully retaining a £19,500 bank credit and was told by Croydon Crown Court (pictured) Judge Nicholas Ainley: “It is always a mean trick to play on people and having got the money you decided to spend it so she will not get it back.”

Prosecutor Mr. Julius Capon told the court the victim received a fake ‘Euromillions’ letter announcing the prize in June 2009 and she was tricked into sending a £420 cheque to secure the funds.

She sent another £7,000 cheque to purportedly authorise the win then a £19,500 money transfer to an account called Delta Venture International, which was under Ene’s control.

A further £45,000 was demanded and the pensioner was in the process of arranging a bank transfer when staff at her Nationwide branch halted the transaction and alerted the police.

Ene was eventually tracked down and arrested in June 2010 and charged in February, last year.

His lawyer Dora O’Malley told the court her client was not involved in the scam and thought the payment was a mortgage he applied for, but admits he should have investigated it further.

Ene’s home is now subject to repossession.

The judge rejected the defendant’s attempts to distance himself from the swindle announcing: “He simply must be part of the scam that takes money from this woman.

“I am not going to abandon common sense.

“An elderly lady has been persuaded to part with a large amount of money after being conned into believing she has won the lottery.”