A man operating under the guise of a minicab driver has been sentenced to 21 weeks in prison after admitting to theft and fraud offences targeting intoxicated passengers. Shahen Chowdhury, 56, from Tower Hamlets, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and seven counts of fraud by misrepresentation.
The court heard how, in early 2023, Chowdhury preyed on inebriated individuals, convincing them he was a legitimate taxi driver. During the rides, he cunningly obtained their bank cards and PIN codes under false pretences. Before dropping his passengers off at their destinations, Chowdhury would swap their bank cards with others he had previously stolen, perpetrating further frauds unbeknownst to the victims.
Chowdhury’s sentencing reflects the serious nature of his offences and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when using taxi services, especially under the influence of alcohol.
