Man claims to be terrorist to con people out of money
Fraudster, Hashem Omran, would claim his assets were frozen by the Government because of his terrorist connections. He would then produce fake documents verifying this and swindle others out of huge amounts of money by implying the authorities had full control of his bank accounts and finances.
According to the North East Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) the 55-year-old has earned over £2.2 Million from these scams. He would always promise to pay the money back after the sanctions were lifted but this never happened.
Omran also claimed to be involved in the sale of zirconium and other precious metals in the Middle East, a trade which supposedly earned him millions of pounds.
The North East CTU began investigating Omran in December 2012 after suspicions were raised about his fraudulent activities and alleged connections to terrorism.
They claimed to have found no evidence that the con artist had been involved in terrorist-related activities, or that the money he had acquired was used to fund terrorism.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Wilson, head of the North East CTU, said, “Today’s sentence concludes a very lengthy and complex investigation into a man who used a series of unfounded lies to make financial gains.
“Omran’s lies continued throughout our inquiries, as he gave false details to officers and varying accounts about the volume and whereabouts of the money he’d obtained.
“Today’s outcome sends a strong message that crime does not pay. The authorities will take every step necessary to bring offenders to justice.”
The jury at Leeds Crown Court found Omran guilty of 13 offences relating to fraud, theft and the proceeds of crime. He has been sentenced to 12 years.
