Gangland Hit Suspected in Murder of International Fraudster on London's Millionaires' Row
Detectives are investigating the fatal stabbing of Reece Salmon, a 28-year-old with a history of fraud and gang robbery convictions, as the killer remains at large.
A murder investigation is underway in London after 28-year-old Reece Salmon was found with stab wounds outside a £1.55 million home on Lloyd Baker Street in Clerkenwell on September 16. He died in hospital the following day, and the killer is still at large, prompting shock in the affluent neighborhood described by locals as "peaceful, quiet and safe."
Detectives are exploring the possibility of a gangland assassination, as it has been revealed that Salmon was an international fraudster convicted for a spate of gang robberies across London. He was described by a friend as "the f***ing loveliest guy you'd ever meet" and by his family as a "loving partner and son."
Salmon was jailed in Britain in 2019 for conspiracy to commit robbery, having been part of a moped gang armed with axes, samurai swords, and zombie knives. He was described as a "big operator in north London" for carrying out phone snatches and robberies. He received a sentence of three years and nine months.
After serving his sentence, Salmon moved to New Zealand, where he engaged in an international fraud campaign working for a UK-based criminal organization. He was jailed there in June last year for his role in defrauding pensioners, aged between 69 and 95, out of approximately NZ$400,000 (£171,000).
In New Zealand, Salmon acted as a "courier" for the criminal gang, collecting cash and gold from victims' homes. The fraudsters posed as police officers, convincing victims to cooperate with what they believed was an undercover investigation. Victims were instructed to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase gold bullion, which Salmon would then collect using a codeword. He targeted 19 victims between July and early August, often wearing disguises, and was apprehended when police intercepted him as he arrived to collect $170,000 in gold bullion from one victim.
He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of obtaining cash and gold by deception and two charges of attempted deception. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with his sentence reduced due to his guilty plea and consideration of the impact on his partner and then three-year-old daughter. However, he was granted parole in February of this year and deported back to Britain.
A judge had advised him upon sentencing, "You have the ability to decide on your return to the UK whether you will continue with that type of connection or separate yourself and concentrate on your partner and child." Salmon had been back in Islington for seven months before his death.
Residents reported being startled by flashing blue lights on the night of the incident. A memorial with flowers, candles, and bottles of alcohol has been established near the scene. Neighbors have expressed shock, with many noting that such violence is unprecedented in the area.
Police have been conducting a thorough investigation, interviewing neighbors and forensicly examining the area, where houses are valued up to £2.25 million. Some residents reported needing to sign in and out with police when leaving their homes during the initial days of the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart stated, "This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the young man who has lost his life." He urged the public to come forward with any information that could be vital to the investigation.