Murder plot father and son pictured for first time after bungled Birmingham hitjob

The first pictures of a father and son who were convicted of conspiracy to murder over a plot to kill a man in Birmingham have been released by police. It follows a bungled murder plot when a female assassin from America tried to shoot a man in a street in Acocks Green.

Mohammed Aslam, 56, and Mohammed Nazir, 30, planned to kill their target following a dispute at a Birmingham clothing store, which left them both injured. Nazir had been in regular contact with hired hitwoman Aimee Betro, 44, from Wisconsin. As she confronted target Sikander Ali her gun jammed allowing him to escape.

West Midlands Police said threatening messages were sent and an attempt was made to lure the victim to meet with the group. When the victim did not attend, three shots were fired at their house.

READ MORE: Father and son guilty over bungled Birmingham hitjob by Hijab-wearing female assassin

Police launched an investigation into the shootings, with the trail leading to Aslam and Nazir, of Elms Avenue in Derby. Detectives were able to piece together their involvement through their phones, CCTV and financial investigations.

Police said it showed their preparations for and involvement in the events of that night. Both men were subject to an investigation by Derbyshire Police for firearms importation. Bent on revenge the pair became part of a plan to kill the owner of the Birmingham store or target one of his family in September 2019.

West Midlands Police joined forces with Derbyshire Police and were able to link the different strands of the investigation. The men went on trial at Birmingham Crown Court for both offences.

Nazir was found guilty of conspiracy to murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on Wednesday, June 5. He was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice and illegally importing firearms over a plot to bring guns into the country and then blame it on another person to frame them. Aslam was yesterday, Monday, June 10, found guilty of conspiracy to murder. He was cleared of a firearms offence.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Matt Marston said: "This was a complex and protracted investigation. Aslam and Nazir were determined to take revenge following a fall out where they were injured. The lengths they went to in trying to make sure they weren't implicated in pulling the trigger are immense.

"However, thanks to some great police work and support from our Derbyshire colleagues we were able to place them firmly in the middle of the attempted murder plot. We hope that today, after a number of years unravelling this investigation, justice has been served.”

In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: “That nobody died as a result of Aslam and Nazir’s actions is through nothing other than sheer good fortune. Their plan was to kill and had it not been for the gun jamming, then there is a good chance this would have been a murder investigation.

“The importation of firearms is an extremely serious offence, and in this case the purpose was to frame their target in revenge for a previous incident. As a police service, we will do everything we can to target those who aim to bring these weapons into our communities and bring them to justice.” The pair will be sentenced on August 9.

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