Two men involved in the illegal firearms trade have been sentenced to a combined total of over 35 years in prison, following a data-driven investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Eric Aram, 35, of Hayes, London, was sentenced to 21 years and 7 months at Isleworth Crown Court, after being convicted of possessing firearms and supplying cannabis.
His associate, Mohammed Guetfi, 33, of Green Lanes, Hackney, was sentenced to 14 years and 4 months after pleading guilty to the same charges.
Digital Evidence Secures Convictions
The convictions were secured despite no firearms being found on the men at the time of their arrests, thanks to extensive digital evidence compiled by detectives.
Detective Inspector Sam Bennett, who led the investigation, said:
“On average, firearms are linked to over a thousand offences on London’s streets each year. Many of the guns used are reactivated pistols, converted by criminal gangs and dealers.”
“Investigators used extensive digital evidence to bring these two offenders to justice. This meant they were able to secure convictions against both men, despite the fact that no guns were found on the defendants themselves.”
“These convictions send out a clear message that the illegal gun trade will not be tolerated in our city.”
Operation Yamata: Uncovering a Firearms Network
The investigation, known as Operation Yamata, began after Specialist Crime officers executed a warrant in April 2023 at a Bayswater flat, initially as part of a drugs investigation.
Inside, officers discovered a converted blank-firing handgun concealed in a plastic bag.
Key forensic evidence linked Aram to the firearm:
- His fingerprints were found on the pistol.
- A subsequent raid of his address in November 2023 uncovered:
- A firearm conversion manual
- A drill believed to have been used to modify weapons
- £1,000 in cash hidden in a vent in his bedroom
Investigators also examined text messages on Aram’s mobile phone, which exposed him as a prolific dealer of both guns and cannabis, revealing that he had converted and sold multiple firearms on the black market.
Aram was arrested on 7 November 2023 and charged the following day.
Guetfi Identified as ‘Right-Hand Man’
Following Aram’s arrest, the Operation Yamata team identified Guetfi through mobile phone downloads, linking him to the illegal trade.
He was arrested and charged on 4 January 2024. During the trial, prosecutors described Guetfi as the “right-hand man” of Aram, a statement agreed upon by the presiding judge.
Firearms Crackdown Continues
The case highlights the Met Police’s ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms and its use of digital forensics to dismantle gun-running operations.
