Organised crime group robbery has led to the jailing of nine men in the United Kingdom after a long and detailed Metropolitan Police investigation into violent raids on mobile phone shops across London. The case brought an end to a crime pattern that had unsettled staff working in major phone retail stores and left businesses counting heavy financial losses.
The group carried out a series of coordinated attacks between September and November 2024. Detectives from the Met Flying Squad spent months piecing together every movement of the suspects. Through CCTV footage, forensic matches, and long trails of mobile phone data, investigators were able to identify those involved and track how they planned and executed the robberies.
The men mostly targeted EE stores. Staff were threatened and forced to open secured stock rooms before the group fled with high value mobile phones and electronic devices. The total loss reached about 240,000 pounds. Officers later described the work behind the investigation as a mixture of patience, forensic review, and close analysis of phone and vehicle records.
Detective Constable Stephen O Connell, lead investigator from the Flying Squad, said the operation reflected the Met Police focus on reducing organised thefts across the city. He stressed the impact these robberies have on ordinary workers and business owners, adding that the police will continue to dismantle criminal groups at every level. Retail partners also expressed appreciation for the cooperation that led to the convictions, noting that store safety remains a priority.
Police surveillance allowed officers to observe the group preparing for another robbery. On 19 November 2024, officers moved in and arrested four suspects inside an EE shop in Kilburn. Later searches at linked addresses uncovered stolen devices and more evidence tying each offender to the earlier crimes.
All ten men were charged and later sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 7 November 2025.
The following defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 30 January:
David Akintola, born 20.05.00, of Samuel Street, Woolwich, received six years and six months in prison.
Michael Babo, born 15.07.00, of Gilbert Close, Woolwich, received six years and ten months.
Robert Hills, born 09.08.04, of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent, received five years and three months.
Ayomide Olaribiro, born 29.04.03, of Warrior Square, Manor Park, received four years and six months.
Nelson Joel, born 09.09.97, of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, received three years and three months.
Olabiyi Obasa, born 06.04.96, of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent, received three years and six months.
David Okewole, born 29.08.01, of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent, received seven years and six months.
Another defendant, Laville Bloise, born 17.07.00, of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery on Monday, 18 August and received two years imprisonment, suspended for two years.
The final defendant, Mushtakim Miah, born 04.02.00, of Artillery Place, Woolwich, was found guilty of attempted robbery on Thursday, 21 August and received eight years and six months.
