Three brothers from a moped phone-snatching gang will have assets seized from them if they appear to be leading an “extravagant lifestyle” after their release from prison.
Alamin, Khalid and Shalim Kazi – all of whom live in Plender Street, Camden – were part of a gang that stole up to 10 motorbikes a day, which they used to snatch phones from pedestrians before selling the bikes on.
They were convicted in July 2016.
Now, after a hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court on Wednesday, the brothers could have more than £64,000 between them seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The Metropolitan Police Service has already taken £8,925.05 plus interest from the proceeds of crime found at their home in Plender Street.
Alamin, 24, would have to forfeit £32,850 if deemed to be “living what is considered to be beyond [his] financial means”. He now has 28 days to contest the amount because he is still in jail.
Khalid, 23, who is out on license, would have to forfeit £7,629.99 while Shalim, 20, also on license, would have to forfeit £23,850.
Det Ch Insp Will Young, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This was another fantastic result, which has not only seen a prolific gang of scooter-enabled crime taken out of action, but robust penalties put in place after release from prison.
“If you commit a criminal offence such as this we will catch you and bring you to justice and use every legal punishment available to bring to bear.”
He added: “I want to send a strong message to individuals who use powered two wheelers on London’s roads to commit crime that they are making a dangerous choice, which potentially puts themselves and other members of the public, including police officers, at risk.
“The Met is committed to the detection, disruption and arrest of those involved in moped and motor cycle theft and enabled crime and we will stem the ability of these criminals to commit these offences and ensure they will no longer be able to profit from other people’s loss.”
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