Rapist Caught After Using Oyster Card to Track Movements
Rufat Kasamaj, 36, from Leyton, has been slammed with a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence plus an extra five years on licence. The Old Bailey handed down the stiff sentence on Wednesday, 26 October, after Kasamaj was caught following a sickening sexual assault on a vulnerable teenage girl.
Quick Thinking Police Track Suspect via CCTV and Oyster Card
Police were fast on Kasamaj’s trail, piecing together his every move using CCTV footage and his Oyster card travel history. Detectives revealed he regularly travelled from North Greenwich to Leyton, which helped officers arrest him at Leyton station just days after the attack.
Horrific Attack at Westfield, Stratford
The victim was out with friends on 4 September 2021 at a bar in Westfield, Stratford, when she got separated from her group. Kasamaj approached her under the pretense of offering help, but instead dragged her to a bench and raped her. After fleeing the scene, Kasamaj used his Oyster card to pass through Stratford station barriers.
Brave Victim and Community Support Spotlighted
Detective Inspector Claudine Davie said: “Kasamaj is clearly a dangerous predator who carried out a horrific sexual assault on a young teenager who he knew was in a vulnerable position. She has shown real bravery in coming to court this week and reliving what happened that evening. We must also thank the member of the public who helped her get home safely.”
The victim was assisted by a passerby who called her parents and stayed with her until she was safely at home. Police launched an immediate investigation, gathering CCTV evidence and tracking Kasamaj’s movements through his unregistered Oyster card’s unique 12-digit number.
Justice Served, Police Urge Victims to Speak Out
The Met’s specialist officers supported the victim throughout the legal process, helping her prepare to give evidence. DI Davie urged victims of sexual crimes to come forward.
“It is a top priority for the Met to target those responsible for violence against women and girls and stop them causing further harm. If you are a victim of sexual assault or rape, report it to police. We will take your allegations seriously and do everything to bring offenders to justice.”
