An Algerian national who entered the UK as an asylum seeker has been imprisoned for orchestrating a series of violent robberies against commuters on London's transport network. Adel Kerari, aged 27 and previously residing in Hammersmith and Fulham, received a sentence of two years and eight months at Inner London Crown Court after admitting guilt to six robbery charges and one count of fraud by false representation.
A Cowardly Crime Spree Across London Stations
Kerari led a gang of four associates in a disturbing eleven-day robbery campaign during June 2023, specifically targeting isolated travellers at multiple Underground and railway stations. The group's violent tactics included physical assaults and intimidation to steal high-value mobile phones, wallets, and personal belongings.
Violent Incidents and Targeted Attacks
The criminal enterprise commenced on June 1st with a particularly brutal attack where the gang cornered a woman on a train approaching Holborn station. After she managed to escape onto the platform, they pursued her through the station, pushed her from behind, punched her in the face, and stole her phone and headphones.
Over the following days, the group continued their spree across central and west London, hitting stations including Chancery Lane, Leicester Square, Russell Square, Notting Hill, Shepherd's Bush, Piccadilly Circus, and Leyton. During one particularly brazen evening, they robbed two separate victims within just ten minutes, first at Leicester Square station and then at Russell Square.
Financial Crimes and Identification
The gang's criminal activities extended beyond physical theft to financial fraud. Following an attack at Leyton Underground station where they stole a man's phone and wallet, CCTV footage captured them using his stolen bank card at a local off-licence mere hours later. Some of the stolen mobile devices were valued at over £2,000 according to court documentation.
International Movements and Further Criminality
After police identified Kerari as a suspect in the robbery series, investigators discovered he had already departed the United Kingdom. Having lived in Britain for approximately one year after leaving Algeria, Kerari travelled to Ireland where he declared his intention to seek asylum, claiming persecution due to his political beliefs.
Sexual Assault Conviction in Ireland
Within just five days of arriving in Dublin, Kerari committed a serious sexual assault against a 22-year-old woman. Court proceedings revealed that on December 10, 2023, he followed the victim, attempted to engage her in conversation, and when she walked away, pursued her onto Henry Street. There he put his arm around her, attempted to kiss her, and when she resisted, placed his hand down her top and touched her genitals over her clothing before pressing his erect penis against her.
For this offence, tried under the name Adel Kerai, he received a prison sentence of two years and three months in Ireland. At the time of this sentencing, Irish authorities were informed that Kerari already had four previous convictions for offences committed in Britain.
Return to Britain and Arrest
Following his release from Irish prison, Kerari returned to the United Kingdom where British Transport Police officers arrested him in September for the outstanding robbery charges. Video evidence shows police raiding his west London residence while he remained in bed.
Gang Members and Combined Sentences
Kerari's four accomplices have already received substantial prison terms for their involvement in the robbery series. Musa Lebdiri (21, of Harlesden), Normane Draachour (24, of no fixed address), Ali Mansour (21, of Hatfield), and Brandon Reeves (20, of Wembley) were sentenced throughout 2023 and 2024 to a combined total exceeding ten years imprisonment.
Police Response and Public Safety Message
Detective Sergeant Tony Gittins, the investigating officer in the case, emphasised the police commitment to tackling transport network crime. He stated: 'Criminals like Kerari should know that we'll make sure they face justice for the crimes they inflict on members of the public. 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.'
Gittins further explained the investigative approach: 'Kerari and the rest of the cowardly group worked together to intimidate and target passengers across London for their own benefit. The rail network is covered by extensive CCTV, which we successfully used to prove that they were behind this 11-day crime spree.'
The detective sergeant reassured the public about safety measures: 'Our uniformed and plain-clothes teams patrol the rail network every day to deter robbery and keep passengers safe. Fortunately, incidents like this are rare, but we take every report of robbery extremely seriously and will continue to come down hard on those who use the railway network for criminal gain.'
He concluded with practical advice for victims: 'If a robbery has just happened, always dial 999 or speak to an officer or a member of staff – our officers can then quickly deploy to your location and begin immediate enquiries to trace the culprits.'
