Man Pleads Guilty to London Underground Passenger Text Scam Plot
A man has pleaded guilty to plotting to trick London Underground passengers in a text message scam using homemade "SMS blasters" concealed inside suitcases. The devices targeted unsuspecting Tube commuters by sending fraudulent messages about failed parcel deliveries, with links designed to steal personal information and plunder bank accounts.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
On Friday, February 20, the fifth day of his trial at Inner London Crown Court, Daoyan Shang, 20, changed his plea to guilty on a charge of conspiracy to defraud between January and March 2025. This followed just one day after "top boss" Zhijia Fan, 48, also pleaded guilty to the same charge. The jury, directed by the judge, returned a guilty verdict against Shang and was then dismissed.
Details of the Smishing Scam
The prosecution described the scam as "smishing," a combination of SMS and phishing, where fake messages impersonated reputable companies like Evri and Royal Mail. The SMS blasters, hidden in suitcases with reinforced metal bottoms and ventilation holes, masqueraded as legitimate cell towers, tricking nearby phones into connecting and receiving fraudulent links.
Other Defendants and Sentencing
Wan Hafiz, 41, of no fixed abode, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and possession of articles for use in fraud. Gatis Lauks, 25, of Ealing, West London, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Both Shang and Fan, described as having no fixed abodes, are to be sentenced on Tuesday along with two other defendants. Another suspect, Jinhua Zhang, 58, is currently on the run after fleeing bail.
Prosecution's Case and Device Description
Prosecutor Alex Davidson explained that the gang used "rather sophisticated" yet crude devices adapted solely for defrauding the public. The SMS blasters were bulky and heavy, often breaking down, but effectively broadcast scam messages to passengers' phones on the London Underground. The aim was to exploit commuters by duping them into revealing personal details through deceptive text alerts.
