Violent Underground Robbery Gang Sentenced After 11-Day Crime Spree
A man described by police as part of a 'cowardly' but violent gang that carried out an 11-day robbery campaign targeting lone travellers on the London Underground has been jailed. Adel Kerari, aged 27, and several other young men specifically preyed upon isolated commuters, stealing mobile phones, wallets, and headphones during a series of frightening attacks.
A Pattern of Intimidation and Violence
The group's crime spree began on June 1, 2023, when they cornered a woman on a train travelling towards Holborn station. After she managed to exit the train, the robbers pursued her towards the escalator and through the station, where she was pushed from behind and punched in the face. The assailants stole her mobile phone and headphones before fleeing the scene.
On another occasion, the gang targeted two separate victims within a mere ten-minute window. The first individual had their phone and wallet taken at Leicester Square station, while the second was robbed of their phone at Russell Square. The violence escalated on June 11 at Leyton Underground Station, where the thugs pushed a man to the ground and assaulted him. They stole his phone and wallet, and then used his bank cards at an off-licence just hours later.
Apprehension and Sentencing
Kerari was identified by the British Transport Police in 2023 but had subsequently left the country. He returned to the UK in 2025 and was arrested at an address in West London on September 4. The resident of Lisgar Terrace in Hammersmith and Fulham later pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery and one count of fraud by false representation.
At Inner London Crown Court on January 9, Kerari was sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment. His co-conspirators, who were sentenced in 2023 and 2024, received a combined total of more than ten years behind bars.
Police Commitment to Public Safety
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Tony Gittins from the British Transport Police emphasised the force's dedication to tackling such crimes. "Criminals like Kerari should know that we'll make sure they face justice for the crimes they inflict on members of the public," he stated. "Tackling robbery on the London Underground is a top priority for us, and we're working around the clock to catch offenders and ensure they have their day in court."
DS Gittins highlighted the role of the network's extensive CCTV coverage, which was successfully used to prove the group's involvement in the crime spree. He also reassured the public about ongoing patrols, noting that "our uniformed and plain-clothes teams patrol the rail network every day to deter robbery and keep passengers safe."
While stressing that such incidents are fortunately rare, DS Gittins affirmed that every report is taken extremely seriously. He urged victims to dial 999 immediately or speak to an officer or staff member if a robbery has just occurred, enabling a rapid police response to trace the culprits.
