Two Moped Mobsters Nabbed in Islington and Barnet
Randy Kavungu, 21, from Union Square, Islington, and Darius James, 22, of Old Farm Road, Barnet, have been locked up for a string of terrifying moped robberies across North London. The Met’s elite Operation Venice squad cracked the case wide open.
Four-and-a-Half Year Sentences for Phone Snatchers
Both Kavungu and James pleaded guilty at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on 3 January. They were convicted of robbery and threatening victims with offensive weapons. Each now faces a hefty four-and-a-half years behind bars.
Detective Inspector Alan Biggs, Operation Venice, said: “Kavungu and James set out with a pre-agreed plan to steal the phones of as many people as they could, using a moped to target lone victims in Islington. They showed no regard for the danger caused by their reckless driving. It’s sheer luck no one was seriously hurt.”
Morning Moped Mayhem Targets Commuters
- Robberies hit between 7am-9am, mainly targeting lone commuters on pavements.
- The duo used a black Beverly ST350 moped, often covering the number plate.
- The passenger snatched phones at speed, with the rider making a quick getaway.
- Violence included phones thrown in faces and a broken finger. One witness was threatened with a hammer.
The couple exploited CCTV blind spots and covered their plates, making them tough to track. However, cops used hours of footage, witness accounts, and mobile data to identify their cruel tactics.
Operation Venice Brings the Hammer Down
On 14 July 2021, police raided both suspects’ homes and seized clothing matching robberies caught on camera – a blue Nike jacket, black Spada helmet, and black puffer jacket. Both men were arrested and evidence piled up to secure their convictions.
Detective Chief Superintendent Hill, Violent Crime Taskforce, added: “Moped-enabled robbery is a scourge on London’s streets. Our Operation Venice team was set up to target repeat offenders like these. By understanding gang tactics, we help uniformed officers stop crimes before they happen.”
Thanks to relentless police work, two dangerous criminals are off the streets, ensuring safer morning commutes for Londoners.
