THREE men have admitted their part in a courier fraud conspiracy aimed at relieving victims of thousands of pounds of savings and property.

But they will not be sentenced until after the trials of two alleged co-conspirators, who have denied being involved in the illegal activity.

It is alleged that members of the group, posing as police investigators, rang potential victims, warning them “suspicious activity” had been reported on their bank accounts.

The targeted people were advised to withdraw money from their accounts or hand over valuable items of property, for collection by a police courier to ensure their safe-keeping.

All five accused in the alleged conspiracy, between September 11, 2018, and February 2, 2019, travelled from addresses in north London to appear at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

Fawaz Miah, 26, and 19-year-old Frazer Abdulkarim, both of Camden, and Abdul Olayinka, also 19, of South Hackney, admitted the charge.

But Sahil Zaman, 22, also of Camden, and 19-year Noor Sharif, of Torrington Place, denied the offence.

They will stand trial at the court on January 17.

Fawaz and Zaman were remanded in custody by Judge Ray Singh, but he granted bail to the other three defendants.

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