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.