Four men from Islington, London, have been remanded in custody accused of posing as the police to defraud people out of money in Gloucestershire and other counties.

They appeared before magistrates in Cheltenham, via video link last Thursday, 8 April, after being arrested by Gloucestershire Police on suspicion of involvement in the so-called 'courier' scam.

"The group have all been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation between 17 March and 6 April 2021, namely purporting to be a police officer by telephone conversation to extract funds from other persons bank accounts, intending to make a gain, namely money." said a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson today (Thurs).

"The men from Islington, London have also been charged with conspiracy to acquire or possess criminal property, namely money and other high value items.

"The investigation led by the Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Unit resulted in warrants being executed in London earlier this month and cash seized.

"Those charged are named below and are next due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 29 April:

Mohammed Maarjan, 22, of James Morgan Mews

Mohammed Hussain, 24, of Kendal House, Collier Street

Shoriful Islam, 24, of Elmfield House, Highbury New Park

Muhammed Rahman, 27, of Messiter House, Leirum Street