Weapons firm blasted for knives sale days after girl, 15, stabbed to death
A weapons firm linked to a zombie knife murderer has been blasted for advertising a bargain sale just days after a girl of 15 was stabbed to death.
The firm, which we are not identifying, ran brazen ads claiming its sale was to celebrate a failed bid by police to close it down. The online campaign last Saturday came three days after Elianne Andam was killed as she got off a bus in Croydon, South London.
The firm was identified earlier this year after Emadh Miah, 18, of Solihull, was jailed for stabbing to death Ghulam Sadiq, also 18, in East London. Judge Christine Laing KC said: “The weapon we are concerned with here has no place in society.” And she urged people to ask MPs why the knives can be bought legally online.
The company ran a sale days after Elianne's murderAfter Miah was jailed for life, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman confirmed he placed an order with the company for two “Fantasy Spartan” swords using a false name and driving licence. They said the firm accepted the order but it could not be delivered and was left at a post office. They said while there is no record of collection, the knives ordered resembled the one Miah used.
Asked about its link to Ghulam’s killer, the company claimed: “Incorrect – Miah attempted to buy from us and failed our vetting process. We provided samples to the Met for use in the court case. Weapon used in crime was bought elsewhere.”
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Some of the firm's rangeThe company’s recent offer of 12.5% off crowed: “Big sale… as Devon and Cornwall Police fail in their unlawful attempt to close us down. In celebration we are having a sale for all our loyal customers.” Jen Lock of Lives Not Knives said: “The people who run this firm don’t care how they make their money. They know who their products are aimed at. Anyone involved obviously hasn’t got any fear of repercussions because there aren’t any – or deterrents.”
The company is owned by actor and screenwriter Mohammed Ullah, 53, who uses the stage name Keyser Khan. The firm, which also claims to provide film and TV props, insists all of its products are legal to own in the UK and that it age-verifies customers.
A deadly knife on the firm's websiteIts website states: “Anyone purchasing a sword must be at least 18. Samurai and other curved swords are legal, as long as they have been handmade using traditional methods.” But it adds: “We like to call these knives UK-friendly instead of UK Legal. Knives for sale on our website that is not UK Friendly are fine as long as you keep them in your own home, or on your own property.”
Elianne’s killing last month was followed days later by that of Ashraf Habimana, 16, in Luton, Beds, and a boy of 16 in Edmonton, North London. Knife-related deaths are at record levels with blades now used in 40% of murders. Of 69 teens murdered in the year to March 2022, 74% were killed with knives.
The company is owned by actor and screenwriter Mohammed UllahJulie Taylor, who lost grandson Liam, 19, in 2020, said: “People are selling these weapons thinking, ‘It doesn’t affect us’ but perhaps when it happens to one of their family they’ll think, ‘Oh God, we’ll stop selling these hideous items’.
“Kids are dying from knife crime every day. It’s getting worse. These people have no morals or care for life and should be closed down.”
It is an offence to sell under-18s anything with a blade or a point for causing injury, except cartridge razors and folding knives with a blade under 3in. The company did not comment on its 12.5%-off sale. But it said: “We are a legal UK-based business. That supplies film sets, military, law enforcement and collectors.”
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