Ballistics damage inside his car suggest 27-year-old unlawfully killed

(Mohammed Shah Subhani - 'Shah Khan')

The investigation into the disappearance of Mohammed Shah Subhani, last seen in Acton, is now being treated as a murder inquiry.

27-year-old Mr Subhani has been missing since 7 May and the last signal from his mobile phone was picked up close to Chiswick Roundabout. His family reported him as missing from his home in Hounslow shortly before midnight, having seen him last at 12:30hrs that same day.

It's known that he travelled to High Street, Acton where he was seen at approximately 13.45pm but has not been seen since.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh from Specialist Crime, said: “On Monday, I had to break the tragic news to his family that Shah’s disappearance is now a murder inquiry. The fact that Shah has been missing for so long, and all proof of life have been negative, is a major factor in our decision. However, as well as Shah being missing, we also have evidence from his white Audi Q3, which we recovered in Camden. Inside this car we found evidence of ballistic damage and everything now indicates that Shah has been unlawfully killed.

“This news is obviously a tragic blow to Shah’s family and has left them distraught. What adds to their anguish is not knowing what has happened to Shah and we continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact police. A £20,000 Met reward is being offered, both for information leading to the whereabouts of Shah and also information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of anyone connected with his murder.”

An extensive police enquiry was launched to find Mohammed and there have been numerous appeals for the public’s help.

Shah’s white Audi Q3 [genuine VRM LC67 CXS], was recovered on false plates, L88 EJF, in Camden on Wednesday, 19 June.

At around 6.30pm officers were informed that the occupants of a white Audi had been involved in an argument with another group of people on Robert Street, NW1. The occupants were alleged to have been in possession of weapons.

Officers located the car and an authorised pursuit took place. The Audi collided with a second vehicle before being abandoned; the three occupants fled on foot. The car was subject to a full forensic investigation.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

A 23-year-old-man was arrested on Tuesday, 2 July on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, he has been released under investigation. Two men – aged 22 and 25 – were arrested on Monday, 8 July on suspicion of murder, kidnap/abduction and perverting the course of justice. One has been bailed to return to police on a date in early August, the other has now been released under investigation.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnap and perverting the course of justice on Wednesday, 31 July 2019. He was subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Officers, armed with a search warrant, have also carried out the search of a premises in Brentford on the morning of Friday, 5 July.

Any witnesses to the incident on Robert Street in Camden, or anyone with any information about Shah’s whereabouts is asked to call police on 101, or contact via Twitter @MetCC quoting Operation Rockton.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

11 August 2019