Police hunt bogus landlord who conned would-be tenants out of more than £20,000

 
Appeal: Scotland Yard is searching for this man in connection with the fraud
MPS
Sebastian Mann16 June 2015
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Police are hunting an unscrupulous Islington "landlord" who conned more than a dozen would-be tenants out of £20,000.

The alleged fraudster, who police said gave a fake name of Mustafa Bhatt to prospective renters, was snapped on CCTV when he brazenly walked one of his victims to a bank so she could withdraw a massive £4,200 advance.

Police said they were aware of 12 victims so far but believe more have been snared by false rental listings for a property in Popham Street, Islington, which was posted on popular websites between September 3 and September 11 last year.

His scam was only revealed when hopeful tenants, some of them from abroad, arrived with all their belongings at what they thought was their new home to find they had been conned.

Altogether he is suspected of defrauding his victims of more than £20,000 in bogus deposits.

Detective Inspector Rita Tierney from Islington CID said: "We have spoken to a number of concerned young adults, some from overseas, who have been defrauded of their savings by this unscrupulous man and we are keen to identify him as soon as possible.

"If you recognise this man or have any information about the fraud please call 101 quoting 2721069/14 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

So-called Mustafa Bhatt is described by police as an Asian man in his 30s with short black hair, a short beard and dark framed glasses.

Police advice about vetting landlords before handing over deposits can be found at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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