This case revolves around a deeply disturbing act of betrayal and manipulation, where Sumaiya Khurram, a 33-year-old woman from Birmingham, exploited a long-standing friendship to defraud her vulnerable friend of £90,000. Khurram, preying on her victim’s emotional needs and physical disabilities, fabricated an elaborate online persona of an attractive young man named Etesham Khan. Over a period of 20 months, Khurram stringed her friend along with promises of a relationship and marriage, all the while soliciting funds under the guise of Khan needing expensive private treatment for blood cancer. This calculated deception, described by Judge Peter Cooke as “one of the most despicable cases of its kind he had ever come across,” left the victim financially and emotionally devastated.
The intricate web of deceit spun by Khurram involved the use of WhatsApp as the primary communication channel. She shared pictures of a young Asian male with her victim, accompanied by affectionate messages, including one featuring a heart and the words “I love you.” The conversations also included sexual discussions, further deepening the victim’s emotional investment in the fabricated relationship. Khurram exploited her friend’s devout Muslim faith, using the prospect of marriage to solidify the deception and extract even more money. Simultaneously, Khurram played the role of a confidante, offering support and encouragement about the non-existent relationship, thereby solidifying the victim’s trust and concealing her true intentions.
The victim, who had known Khurram for two decades, considered her a genuine friend and someone who understood her past experiences with bullying and trust issues. This intimate knowledge of the victim’s vulnerabilities made the betrayal even more egregious. Khurram was fully aware of her friend’s physical limitations and naiveté, making the victim an easy target for her manipulative scheme. The victim, in her impact statement, described the profound impact of Khurram’s actions, stating that her health and wealth had been taken away, and that she had contemplated suicide. The financial loss compounded by the emotional trauma of betrayal left her feeling utterly broken and hopeless.
The court proceedings revealed the extent of Khurram’s calculated plan. She not only fabricated the character of Etesham Khan but also perpetuated the deception by posing as a supportive friend, discussing the fake relationship with her victim and encouraging its progression. Even after draining the victim’s life savings, Khurram continued to exert control, threatening to expose details of the relationship if her demands were not met. This coercive behavior highlights the manipulative nature of her actions, demonstrating a callous disregard for her victim’s well-being.
While the defense argued that the “catfishing” scheme was not sophisticated and that Khurram had shown remorse and had not re-offended since, the judge remained unconvinced. He emphasized the severity of the crime, pointing out the deliberate targeting of a vulnerable individual and the profound impact of the deception on the victim’s life. The judge’s sentencing remarks highlighted the breach of trust that lay at the heart of the offense, emphasizing that Khurram had preyed on someone she knew to be vulnerable, exploiting their friendship for personal gain. He denounced the scheme as “wicked,” highlighting the calculated and manipulative nature of Khurram’s actions.
Ultimately, Sumaiya Khurram was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for her crime. While this sentence brings a sense of justice, it cannot fully restore what the victim has lost – her financial security, her emotional well-being, and her trust in others. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of online deception and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from those who would exploit their trust for personal gain. It underscores the need for vigilance and skepticism in online interactions, particularly those involving financial transactions and promises of love and companionship.
