Thief Who Targeted Gay Men Jailed for 11 Years
One of Reda Zahri's crimes took place in Ealing
Reda Zahri. Picture: Met Police
March 5, 2024
A 22-year-old man who targeted three gay men for burglaries including one living in Ealing has been jailed for 11 years and six months.
Reda Zahri of Chalk Farm was sentenced last Friday (1 March) at Southwark Crown Court after pleading guilty to three counts of burglary, one count of false imprisonment and one count of attempting to commit robbery relating to three different men.
The court heard how Zahri struck up conversations with gay men to gain their confidence and sometimes engaged in sexual activity with them, before stealing items, often with the victim being unaware, and then leaving.
One of the offences took place in Mayfair on 1 May 2022 before he struck again four days later in Ealing.
On one occasion he stole more than £25,000 from a victim using a suitcase.
Detectives managed to track Zahri down after he stole items from a man he had met in Camden. The victim had managed to get Zahri’s Instagram handle and showed this to officers.
When Zahri was arrested on 12 May 2022 following the incident in Camden – he initially refused to answer any questions.
Zahri also claimed to be 17, making him a juvenile in the eyes of the law. However, detectives suspected this wasn’t the case and managed to find a link to Germany where Zahri had been before coming to the UK.
Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette from the Safeguarding Team based at Charing Cross Police Station led the investigation and said, “All three of Zahri’s victims were gay men, making clear that he was preying on members of the gay community. I also hope this sends out a strong message that the police will investigate anyone and everyone who has been a victim of crime.
“It is entirely plausible that Zahri targeted other people who, for whatever reason, have not had the confidence to come forward and report this. I would urge you to please make contact with police so we can investigate any allegations thoroughly.”
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