Taxi firm battered by relentless phone attack as crooks court cash
Call Chaos Cripples Taxi Business
Ehsen Abdul Razak, 24, from Maidstone, and Gracia Mbwiti of Barking launched a brutal Telephone Denial of Service (TDOS) attack on A-Line Taxis back in February 2017. Armed with specialist kit, they flooded the company’s phone line with nonstop calls over 30 hours. Genuine customers couldn’t get through, wrecking the firm’s business and reputation.
Blackmail and Bank Fraud Exposed
The duo didn’t stop there. They tried to blackmail A-Line Taxis to halt the onslaught. Investigators also uncovered their stash of thousands of stolen bank details dating back to 2016, aimed at swindling cash from innocent victims. Both pleaded guilty to computer misuse, blackmail, fraud, and conspiracy.
Jail Time for the Call Crunchers
On 9 September last year at Derby Crown Court, Abdul Razak was locked up for 34 months. Mbwiti got 30 months behind bars. Detective Constable Mick Donegan blasted their ruthless scheme. “This attack targeted an individual’s livelihood,” he said. “Thousands of pounds were lost and the company’s reputation was on the line.” He warned others hit by TDOS attacks to report immediately.
£1 Payback? Judge Slams Empty Pockets
Despite the £20,000 damage, Abdul Razak’s finances told a different story. Following a Proceeds of Crime hearing, a judge found he has no assets to repay. Judge Jonathan Bennett handed down a token £1 repayment order, giving Razak three months to pay or face extra jail time.
“Therefore I am ordering that £1 be paid within three months and there will be 14 days in default added to his current sentence.” – Judge Jonathan Bennett
