Brutal Kidnap and Torture Gang Busted in Luton
Three men have been convicted for a savage hours-long attack on a victim in Luton. Safed Rafiq, 36, Idnan Akbar, 32, and Dawud Safeer, 24, were found guilty at Luton Crown Court yesterday after a horrific ordeal unfolded in broad daylight.
Horrifying Attack Unfolded in Broad Daylight
On 29 November around 12.30pm, Rafiq lured the victim along Ash Road, first taking him to a butcher’s shop on Hampton Road before dragging him back to a house on Ash Road. Inside the property, the victim was forced upstairs where Akbar, Rafiq, and Safeer launched a brutal assault.
- The trio pummeled the victim with fists.
- He was then viciously attacked with a heated machete, a baseball bat, and a hammer.
The nightmare only ended when Bedfordshire Police arrived responding to reports of a kidnapping.
Police Rescue Victim with Serious Injuries
Officers found the victim seriously wounded, suffering broken bones and knife injuries. He was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
Police arrested 15 people at the scene – 13 men and 2 women, aged 24 to 53 – on suspicion of kidnap and other offences. Multiple weapons including knives and machetes were seized.
Motivation Revealed: Revenge Over Smashed Car Window
Investigators concluded the attack was revenge for a suspected smashed window on Akbar’s car. Rafiq and Safeer were caught soon after the assault, but Akbar evaded arrest for five months before being found in a Luton flat.
“This is one of the most disturbing acts of violence I have come across,” said Detective Constable Adam Geary. “The attack was brutal to the extreme. These men are incredibly dangerous and have no place in society. It is good news they have pleaded guilty.”
“We won’t tolerate violence like this in Bedfordshire. Anyone involved will be caught and brought to justice.”
The trio will be sentenced on 13 January 2023 at Luton Crown Court.
For more on Bedfordshire’s fight against organised crime and support services, visit Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation (BAVEX).
