Taxi Firm Targeted in Brutal Phone Attack and Blackmail Plot
Two fraudsters launched a relentless phone onslaught on a Maidstone taxi firm, blocking genuine calls and demanding cash to stop. Ehsen Abdul Razak, 24, from Maidstone, and Gracia Mbwiti of Barking bombarded A-Line Taxis with nonstop calls for 30 hours non-stop in February 2017.
Specialist Kit Used to Crash Taxi Business
The pair bought specialist equipment to flood A-Line’s lines with fake calls, denying real customers the chance to book rides. This Telephone Denial of Service (TDOS) attack put the company’s reputation and thousands of pounds in earnings at risk.
Blackmail and Bank Details Theft Exposed
After crippling the business, Razak and Mbwiti tried to blackmail the company for a payoff. Police also uncovered their theft of thousands of stolen bank details dating back to 2016, aimed at defrauding innocent victims.
Justice Served—but Thieves Have No Cash to Repay
Both pleaded guilty to charges including blackmail, fraud, and computer misuse. Razak was jailed for 34 months, with Mbwiti locked up for 30 months at Derby Crown Court last September.
“This was a targeted attempt to blackmail an individual by putting their livelihood at stake,” said Detective Constable Mick Donegan. “Genuine callers couldn’t get through, costing A-Line thousands and damaging their reputation.”
However, a Proceeds of Crime hearing revealed Razak has none of the stolen cash left. Judge Jonathan Bennett ordered him to pay a symbolic £1, as his assets were declared nil. Failure to pay within three months could add 14 days to his sentence.
The police urge anyone facing a TDOS attack to come forward immediately, warning that fraudsters will stop at nothing to squeeze businesses for cash.
