LONDON, UK — Four men have been jailed for their roles in a massive car theft operation across London, with vehicles worth between £1.1 million and £1.7 million stolen over just seven months.
The Metropolitan Police linked the group to more than 70 offences, using CCTV footage and forensic evidence to connect the dots in an investigation that began in July 2024.
The gang primarily targeted Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota vehicles, often using a “key emulator”—a device capable of unlocking and starting cars without the original key. In several cases, the group also broke into homes to steal car keys before fleeing in the stolen vehicles.
On October 2, 2024, police followed stolen cars with fake number plates and witnessed the gang in action as they stole another vehicle from a Southwark street before returning to East London. Three members were arrested shortly after, while Kabir Ahmed, 35, of Hornchurch, was caught a week later attempting to enter a stolen Toyota Prius fitted with false plates.
It is believed that some of the stolen vehicles were shipped overseas, while others were sold on with cloned number plates.
The men appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 11, where they received the following sentences:
Kabir Ahmed, 35 (Hornchurch) – 4 years and 8 months
Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed, 30 (Tower Hamlets) – 5 years
Muhammed Imran Ali, 34 (Forest Gate) – 5 years and 10 months
Paul Barringer, 33 (Southend-on-Sea) – 2 years and 6 months
All four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to conceal criminal property.
A police spokesperson said this was a “sophisticated and organised operation” and praised the investigation team’s efforts to bring the group to justice.
