Blackmailer father and son threatened Luton families with extortionate demands for cash

Amjed Khan, 39, of Parys Road, Luton, was convicted of two counts of blackmail, as well as two counts of conspiracy to blackmail.

His son, Sufian Khan, 18, of the same address, was convicted of the same counts.

During the campaign of intimidation, Khan and his son made numerous threats to the families, and even commissioned aggravated burglaries of the victims’ homes in order to extort the funds they demanded.

The offences took place over a number of months from December 2016, coming to a head with the break-ins at each family’s property on 7 March 2017.

During the burglaries, both in Luton, weapons including a Taser and a noxious spray were carried by the burglars – who detectives could prove had been employed to collect the cash on behalf of the Khans.

Detective Constable Tracey Joyce, who led the investigation, said: “This was a complex and challenging case which uncovered numerous attempts by the Khans to threaten, intimidate and use force to obtain huge sums of cash from the innocent victims.

“Amjed and his son took this opportunity to single out recipients of this misguided generosity, and held them personally responsible for the loss of his money.”

Amjed Khan was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Sufian Khan, who was under 18 at the time of the offences, was spared jail with a two year sentence suspended for 12 months. He was also given a nine-month curfew and 300 hours’ community service.

Thanking the victims for coming forward to police, DC Joyce added: “The families were repeatedly approached and antagonised by the Khans and their cronies, who were employed to carry out threats on their behalf.

“The victims’ lives were made a living hell during this long period of intimidation and violence, and they were incredibly brave in coming forward. I would like to thank them, for their courage has helped to secure this conviction and ensure Amjed Khan is now behind bars.”