A London bus driver has been exposed and jailed for using his profession as a cover to run a sophisticated international prostitution ring, shuttling women to Dubai for sex work.
Mohamed Naveed Zahir, 47, was sentenced to three years in prison at Harrow Crown Court after pleading guilty to controlling prostitution for gain and money laundering. The court heard how Zahir brazenly used his double-decker bus as a mobile recruiting office, approaching vulnerable female passengers to proposition them.
The Double Life of a Public Servant
Zahir, a father-of-three from Wembley, led a shocking double life. By day, he was a trusted bus driver for Abellio London, ferrying passengers on route 83 between Golders Green and Alperton. By night, he transformed into a ruthless procurer, using the intimate confines of his cab to proposition women he deemed susceptible.
His criminal enterprise was meticulously organised. He created profiles for the women on illicit websites, handled all negotiations with clients, and took a 50% cut of their earnings, amassing over £70,000.
The Dubai Connection
The operation took on an international dimension when Zahir began organising trips to Dubai. He financed the travel expenses, booking flights and accommodation, to supply women to clients in the UAE. The Met Police's investigation revealed a trail of financial transactions and messages detailing these arrangements.
Justice Served
Detective Constable Jack Earl of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command hailed the sentence, stating it reflects the 'serious and exploitative nature' of Zahir's crimes. He emphasised that Zahir 'preyed on vulnerable women' and 'perverted his role as a trusted public servant' for his own financial gain.
Abellio London confirmed Zahir's immediate dismissal following his arrest, distancing the company from his abhorrent actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of how criminal exploitation can hide in plain sight within our communities.
