Five appear in Glasgow and Aberdeen courts after elderly man defrauded out of more than £100,000

Four men and a woman have appeared in court charged in connection with involvement in serious organised crime across Scotland after an elderly man was defrauded out of more than £100,000.

The alleged crimes include high-value fraud and drug offences with incidents spanning the North East, Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

The investigation came after an elderly man in Aberdeen was defrauded out of a six-figure sum of money by a person posing as a member of the public in January 2024.

Detectives executed warrants at residential and business addresses in East Kilbride, Uddingston and Shawlands on April 19 in connection with an investigation by the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team.

Class A drugs, estimated to be worth more than £1,000, and more than £30,000 in cash were seized during the raids.

Mohammed Asif, 48, and 21-year-old Umair Ali, both of Glasgow, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday both facing a single charge of being involved with a fraudulent scheme.

Both men made no plea and were committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

Asif will next appear in court within the next eight days while Ali’s next appearance is to be confirmed.

Hussnain Mohammed, 22, Roseina Mohammed, 44, and Amir Mohammed, 25, all of Glasgow, appeared at the city’s Sheriff Court on the same day.

All three are charged with two counts of supplying a controlled drug, and one count of becoming involved in serious organised crime.

Each made no plea and were released on bail with their next appearances to be confirmed.

Detective sergeant Dave Williamson, of the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling cyber-enabled organised crime and this operation underlines our dedication to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Organised crime groups use technology to target victims, whom are often the most vulnerable people in our communities. These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled.

“If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.

“If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of cyber-enabled crime, the circumstances can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”