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A gang responsible for a series of terrifying robberies at knifepoint in South West London have been convicted.
The group used a stolen BMW with false plates to carry out their crimes, threatening their victims with large knives and machetes before stealing items including watches and bags. None of the stolen property has been recovered.
Michael Malik Ahmed 28, pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery – four on December 21, 2021, and two on January 9, 2022, following a joint operation by the Flying Squad and a local robbery team.
He was also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon used in the attacks, as well as dangerous driving at a trial which concluded on Monday.
The group of six men were convicted over a string of violent robberies. Pictured: Roshan Clark, 18, poses with two stolen Rolex watches
Michael Malik Ahmed 28, pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery over the attacks in December 2021 and January 2022
At the same trial, Kaijuan Henry, 19, was found guilty of being involved in the December robberies, while Jessy Ouma, 18, was found guilty of being involved in the robberies on January 9.
Zakariah Yusuf, 18, Joseph Opoku, 19, and Roshan Clark, 18, previously pleaded guilty to being involved. Sentencing will take place on a future date.
Detective Sergeant Gary Taylor, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: ‘These men carried out multiple violent robberies which left many of those targeted fearing for their lives.
‘Their attacks were brazen, took place on busy streets and I have no doubt they would have gone on to commit further crimes if they had not been quickly caught.
‘We know the impact these crimes have on each and every victim and our team worked tirelessly to ensure we identified those responsible and brought them to justice.
‘Those who live in and visit our city should not have to go about their daily lives in fear of thieves.
‘Sadly we know there has been a rise in these types of offences and we would urge people to remain aware of their surroundings and where possible to keep valuables out of sight.’
The gang was brought to justice when victims provided police with the car’s registration number.
Officers spotted the BMW at the junction of Balham High Road and Chestnut Grove soon after.
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Zakariah Yusuf, 18, was one of three who previously admitted to being involved in the robberies
Kaijuan Henry, 19, was found guilty of being involved in the December robberies with the gang
Specialist officers pursued the vehicle, which crashed into a wooden fence near the junction of Dornton Road and Culverdon Road.
The occupants of the car fled from the scene and into an estate. Despite a foot chase, police were unable to find them.
In their rush to escape, Ahmed left his house keys, phone and a bank card in the car while Yusuf left his jacket and phone.
This allowed officers to identify them and the other defendants.
A large machete used in the robberies was also found in the vehicle, as was a tracksuit top with distinctive markings which matched the clothing worn by Ahmed when he was caught on CCTV at a petrol station.
When Ouma was arrested, officer seized and examined his phone. This revealed photos of Henry and Clark celebrating their robberies by wearing a number of the stolen watches.
Forensic evidence and cell site data also linked the defendants to the crimes.
The gang was caught after police officers chased the BMW used in the robberies and tracked down all six men. Pictured: Joseph Opoku, 19
Jessy Ouma, 18, was found guilty of being involved in the robberies on January 9 at the trial
DS Taylor added: ‘We are pleased that a dangerous gang has been taken off our streets and our city will be safer now that these six men are facing a considerable period behind bars.
‘This case also shows the importance of reporting a robbery as soon as it happens and we would urge anyone who is the victim of a similar crime, or anyone who sees a robbery taking place, to call us immediately.
‘This makes a significant impact on our ability to catch those responsible and prevent them from causing any further harm.’
