Three men from London have been jailed for their involvement in a string of phone scams that saw elderly victims conned out of almost half a million pounds. 

The men were part of a gang which targeted elderly victims across Bucks, Herts and Berks between May 2015 and January 2016 - including in Chesham. 

In each of the offences, victims were contacted by scammers pretending to be either police officers or bank officials who were investigating fraud committed against the victims.

Once they had gained the victims’ trust, they then convinced them to withdraw large sums of money or purchase expensive items, such as jewellery, to assist their 'investigation'.

The victims were then convinced to hand the items to couriers acting on behalf of the scammers.

In one case, the victim was conned into handing over £166,000 worth of jewellery.

Following an investigation by a specialist team from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Manhunt unit, 19 people were arrested and charged in connection with 36 offences.

Some of the scammers, the majority of whom were schoolboys, were caught by police as they attended addresses to collect cash from the victims.

The remaining three members of the gang, who were the main organisers of the scams, were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (November 24).

Rashal Tafader, 23, from Argyle Square, Camden, was sentenced to six years and six months after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft on July 28.

Zakir Alom, 25, from Fleet Square, Camden, was sentenced to six years and five months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft.

Fawaz Miah, 21 from Cromer Street, Camden, was sentenced to four years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft.

Detective Sergeant Jon Leak, who led the investigation, said: “This despicable gang ruthlessly targeted vulnerable members of society for their own selfish gains and I am pleased with today’s sentencing.

“Phone scams can have a devastating effect on the victims, as people often lose vast sums of money as well as their confidence and trust.

“I hope this investigation sends a clear message that we will be relentless in our pursuit of those suspected to be involved in these crimes and bring them to justice.”