Police believe Amir Akhalaghi swindled his victims out of millions of pounds and are appealing for people affected to come forward

A prolific fraudster who swindled his unwitting victims out of a total of �750,000 has been jailed for nine years.

Southwark Crown Court heard how Amir Akhalaghi, 42, of Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, tricked people into handing over money for cars and other property which did not exist.

Akhalaghi was first charged with fraud in March 2007 but failed to turn up at court and went on the run from police for three years.

He was arrested last September following an appeal on Crimewatch, and sentenced on Monday (21) with 15 counts of theft and fraud.

Detectives believe Akhalaghi committed offences elsewhere in the UK and abroad, running into millions of pounds. They are appealing for more victims to come forward.

Officers are appealing for people who may have been victims of him to come forward. He is known by various aliases including: Amir Ali Akhlaghi, Ali Reza Akhlaghi, Emir Ahmed Behrouzan, Ibrahim Ahmet, Desmond James Mabbutt, Gulam Kiatavoosi and

Ghulam Kiatavoosi.

Detective Constable Karl Lewis from the Met’s Serious Violence Team said: “We believe he has committed further offences up and down the country. If you believe you have been a victim of a related crime or have any information relating to this man, please contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0207 321 9374 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.