Mastermind Behind High-Value Car Theft Gang Jailed for Nearly Nine Years
Kashif Rafiq, 38, from Blackburn, Lancashire, has been slammed with eight years and nine months for masterminding a high-tech burglary ring targeting luxury cars. Known also as Anjum Nawaz, Rafiq was sentenced on Monday, 4 October, bringing the total prison time handed out to members of the gang to a whopping 32 years.
Gang Plundered £2.6 Million in Supercars Across North West
Police investigations uncovered Rafiq led a serious organised crime group stealing premium vehicles across Merseyside, Lancashire, and Cheshire. The ring used wireless key signal cloning to break into cars parked outside homes, driving off without causing property damage or having to break into houses to steal the key fobs.
Launched in January 2020 after a spike in residential burglaries, the probe revealed the gang targeted cars worth an estimated £2.6 million, many of which were recovered around Blackburn.
Accomplices Receive Lengthy Jail Terms
- Lewis Tankard, 20, from Huyton: 5 years, 7 months
- Neil O’Brien, 19, from Knotty Ash: 6 years
- Noah Hassan, 29, no fixed address: 4 years, 9 months
- Stephen Hooten, 29, Tuebrook: 5 years, 2 months
- Sireen Rafiq (aka Shamilia Tabassum), 36, Blackburn: 21 months for handling criminal property
- Paula Heathers, 50, Stoneycroft: 14 months suspended + unpaid work
- Susan Russell, 20, Stockbridge Village: 12 months suspended, curfew + unpaid work
All except Susan Russell pled guilty, with two more suspects facing sentencing later this year.
Detectives Praise Operation Castle’s Success
“It is very pleasing to see another man jailed today as part of this complex and successful operation. Rafiq led the OCG’s operations, something the courts have reflected in the severity of his sentence today,” said Detective Sergeant Darren Hankin.
“Operation Castle has handed down more than 500 years in prison since 2018. Each sentence makes communities across Merseyside safer from the misery burglary causes.”
He urged residents to stay vigilant: “Lock your doors, set alarms, and use CCTV or doorbell cameras. If you see anything suspicious, report it – it could help stop these criminals.”
For advice on protecting your home, visit Merseyside Police Crime Prevention. Follow updates with hashtags #OpCastle and #BeatTheBurglar on social media.
