£263,000 conman

Rithammed Ashraf Chowdry

This fraudster has been added to Greater Manchester’s most wanted list after tricking staff at the Oldham branch of NatWest bank out of £263,000.

Rithammed Ashraf Chowdry, also known as Taz, is 42.

Oldham CID want to speak to him about the fraud which happened in July, 2007.

They believe Taz went into the NatWest bank in Yorkshire Street and claimed to have an account with them, posing as a business man. He managed to fraudulently access someone’s bank account, and calmly walked away with £263,000. Most of the money was paid via a money transfer agency in Manchester. The rest was handed over at the Oldham branch.

CCTV images were released last year showing a meeting that the suspect had with the bank, asking for a withdrawal, followed by the withdrawal itself four days later.

In one he wore a smart, dark suit and sunglasses, in the other a three-quarter length coat, light tie and beige trousers.

Det Sgt Darren Grafton said: “This investigation has been on going for several years and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.

“I am keen to speak to speak to Rthammed and if anyone has information about his whereabouts, if not now but since the crime occurred, I urge them to get in touch.”

Police say Chowdry should not be approached.Anyone with information can contact police on 0161-872 5050, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111, or via the website www.gmp.police.uk/wanted