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Two professional hustlers who targeted London's super-rich including a Saudi Arabian prince were jailed today.
The pair stole cash and credit cards from their billionaire victims by distracting the chauffeurs of their cars.
A court heard how career criminal Yuri Harris, 68, of Hove, used the proceeds of his crimes to fund a lavish lifestyle including renting an apartment near Sloane Square in Chelsea.
His accomplice Maher Ghalaini, 50, of Ealing, used one stolen bank card to fund a West End shopping spree which saw him blow £4,000 on sunglasses.
The pair were caught after setting up a fake jewellery business to gain access to an Earl's Court trade fair and steal bags from wealthy buyers. At Southwark crown court today, Harris was jailed for seven years and Ghalaini for four years for a series of theft and fraud charges.
Their previous targets included Prince Abdulaziz Bin Fahd of Saudi Arabia. Ghalaini distracted the driver of his Mercedes in Mayfair while Harris opened the passenger door and stole a bag.
Reader views (4)
they should be given medals, seperating these tacky saudi clowns from their easily come-by wealth.
- Squiz, islington
Totally agree with you. These Saudi princes are extremly tacky but i do hope they keep spending their millions in the UK
- Paul, London, 12/04/2010 15:48
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they should be given medals, seperating these tacky saudi clowns from their easily come-by wealth.
- Squiz, islington, 10/04/2010 11:55
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One year for child neglect and cruelty, resulting in the death of an Eight year old girl and seven years for being a scamster. Good old British justice; roll on the Revolution !!
Bernard Scarlett
- B J Scarlett, C ape Town South Africa, 09/04/2010 19:13
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Yuri Harris and Maher Ghalaini, from "Hove" and "Ealing" respectively.
Yeah, right, and I'm from China.
Also, why not send them for trial in Saudi? They'd be guaranteed never to do it again in that case!
- Croyboy, Croydon, 09/04/2010 17:45
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