Man found guilty of kidnapping and murdering his uncle in Batley
The body of Asghar Badshah was found inside a disused bank five years ago
An international drug dealer has been found guilty of killing his uncle, whose body was found inside a disused bank in Batley almost five and a half years ago.
Leeds Crown Court heard 42 year old Tahir Syed planned the abduction of then 39 year old bus driver Asghar Badshah, who he believed had stolen around £600,000 from him.
Asghar was kidnapped on November 30 2019 and was then tortured for information, with Syed playing a 'leading role' in the interrogation.
Asghar Badshah died after suffering multiple numerous blunt force trauma injuries to his head and body. He was discovered in a safe in the basement around a month later.
Syed fled the country as the police investigation commenced, but was ultimately extradited back to the UK from Turkey to face justice.
Julian Briggs of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Tahir Syed was a significant player in the international drug trafficking trade of cocaine and heroin. He was a seasoned criminal with extensive networks in this country and abroad.
“His operation was worth millions of pounds and even family ties did not prevent him from becoming a ruthless killer.
“The horrible and violent death of Asghar Badshah was not just about money but about protecting Syed’s reputation as a renowned international drug trafficker.
“We will be seeking legal proceedings against the defendant’s criminally earned monies and assets.”
Syed will be sentenced for of murder, conspiracy to kidnap and drugs conspiracy offences later this week.