Police hunt all-female Chinese blackmail gang in Islington

15 October 2024, 13:41

Victims have been told if they refuse to withdraw large amounts of money, their family members would 'mysteriously' get hurt
Victims have been told if they refuse to withdraw large amounts of money, their family members would 'mysteriously' get hurt. Picture: Metropolitan Police/Alamy

By Will Conroy

Police are investigating a series of blackmail offences where Chinese people faced threats about their family if they refused to withdraw huge amounts of money.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Since January, victims have been approached by suspects asking if they knew a doctor, around the Chapel Market and Liverpool Road area of Islington.

They were told that if they refused to withdraw large quantities of money from nearby ATMs their family members would “mysteriously” get hurt in the coming days.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives are investigating the incidents and released images of women they want to identify and speak with.

The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with
The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with. Picture: Metropolitan Police
The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with
The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with. Picture: Metropolitan Police

Detective Constable Paulo Roberts, leading the investigation, said: “These incidents left the victims incredibly shaken and we know it has caused huge concern within the Chinese community.

“I want to assure local people that extensive enquiries have been conducted, and our work is still ongoing.

“The images we have are good quality and I am sure there is someone out there who will recognise these individuals.”

Read more: Sara Sharif’s ‘neighbours heard shockingly loud smacking & gut-wrenching screams’ before she was found dead

Read more: Poisoned by Novichok: CCTV shows ex-spy and daughter slumped on bench after exposure to Russian nerve agent

The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with
The Metropolitan Police released images of women they want to identify and speak with. Picture: Metropolitan Police

The Met said: "Anyone who has information about people pictured should report online, dial 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 3232/14OCT24."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Patrick Mullins aboard Nick Rockett after winning the Randox Grand Nationa

Nick Rockett wins 2025 Grand National at Aintree holding off last year's winner I Am Maximus

She was reportedly robbed outside an Italian restaurant in Cheshire

Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’

Jaguar Land Rover has paused shipments to the US in the wake of 'Liberation Day' tariffs

Jaguar Land Rover halts shipments to US in wake of tariffs as Trump insists he'll win 'economic revolution'

The fire happened at Goldenbeach Holiday Park, Roman Bank, Ingoldmells.

Two people killed in caravan fire at holiday park in Lincolnshire

Easter eggs have been recalled over a potential risk of 'metal'

'Do not eat' warning as major chocolate brand recalls two Easter eggs amid fears they contain metal

Flowers and toys left on a swing seat to commemorate victims killed in Russia's missile attack on Friday

Death toll from Russian strike on Zelenskyy's home town rises as 18 confirmed dead - including nine children

Lucy Connolly

Tory councillor's wife who was jailed for racial hatred tweet after Southport attacks 'denied temporary release'

The scene at Beckenham Place Park

Body found in search for teenage boy who went missing while swimming in lake in south-east London

Molly Russell took her own life in 2017.

Meta and Pinterest 'make secret donation to Molly Russell charity'

Elton John

Sir Elton John says he 'can't read, watch TV or see his boys play rugby' as he opens up about health battle

Exclusive
Corby steelworks pictured in 1981

Families in former industrial town call for probe into rare child cancer after botched clean-up of steelworks

The stabbing happened on Ramsden Street in Huddersfield.

Man, 20, charged with murder after 16-year-old boy stabbed to death in Huddersfield

Donald Trump's 10% tariff on UK products has officially come into force

Trump tariffs come into force as global stock markets plunge deeper into the red

File photo dated 19-05-2024 of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne lifting the Premier League trophy with team-mates.

Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola calls him 'one of greatest midfielders to play in England'

Stock markets plummeted on Friday

Starmer 'pushing for Trump royal visit this year' as UK bids for US trade deal - after tariffs spark turmoil in markets

Tom Howard

British tourist killed after being struck by boulder on trek through Himalayas