Fancy dress policeman handcuffs mum and waves gun as he sneaks through backdoor in crypto robbery

Belay Zeine police mugshot
-Credit: (Image: Essex Police)


A West London robber who dressed like a policeman and threatened a terrified family with a gun has been jailed. Belay Zeine, 32, snuck through the back door of a home in Essex at about 10am on April 6, 2023, dressed as a police officer complete with handcuffs and a pistol. Inside the Corringham house he threatened a mum and her three children, demanding she transfer him cryptocurrency.

While upstairs, one of her brave teenagers quietly called 999 to ask for help. Downstairs, Zeine snatched one of the victims' phones and continued to demand a crypto payment. The family had no idea his gun was fake, but repeatedly told him there was no crypto to give them. At this point, Zeine panicked and assaulted a member of the family, causing them to fall downstairs and hit their head.

As this happened, the mother managed to free herself from the handcuffs to alert neighbours, while Zeine fled the scene. Officers from Essex Police quickly arrived, but they could not find the Zeine. After carrying out some checks, the trail led them to a property in Chelsea, in West London, where Zeine was arrested. A search then revealed a number of imitation firearms, tactical vests, and batons.

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Zeine, of Ixworth Place, near South Kensington, was charged with robbery in a dwelling, two counts of false imprisonment, possession of imitation firearm whilst committing an offence according to Schedule 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 and assault. He admitted the offences on the first day of his trial at Basildon Crown Court this September and was sentenced to seven years and four months on Tuesday (October 15).

The EXOL Special 99 is a replica blank firing pistol looks just like the real Beretta 84FS
The EXOL Special 99 is a replica blank firing pistol looks just like the real Beretta 84FS -Credit:Essex Police

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell, who ran our investigation, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the family, who showed incredible bravery during the incident, from the teenage child being able to dial 999, to the mother freeing herself and alerting neighbours. Zeine escaped the area initially but as a result of some really targeted work, we were able to identify him as a suspect quite quickly and get warrants for a number of premises linked to him – and arrest him.”

“Although we now know the handgun to be an imitation, the family will not have known this, which again only serves to show their bravery. Zeine had initially denied being behind the incident but on day one of his trial, the evidence caught up with him and he had to admit his guilt. And I hope this sentence goes some way to helping this family to move on from Zeine’s horrific actions.”

Got a story or a tip-off? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582

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