Gangster Murdered on London's Millionaires' Row Had International Fraud Past

Reece Salmon, 28, a known member of London's "Easy Cash Gang," was found stabbed to death on Lloyd Baker Street in Clerkenwell, an affluent area of North London. The incident occurred last Wednesday, and Salmon died in the hospital the following day. Police have launched a manhunt for the assailant, who remains at large.

Salmon's criminal history began in his youth as a member of the "Easy Cash Gang," also known as "EC1," which operated in Islington. This group was known for moped-enabled robberies, drug dealing in public spaces, and violent assaults.

In March 2019, Salmon was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his involvement in a series of phone snatches and robberies across London. During investigations, authorities discovered a garage used by the gang containing stolen phones, SIM cards, a zombie knife handle, and a replica firearm. Salmon was one of six gang members jailed for a combined total of 30 years. The gang's criminal activities in 2018 included armed raids on high-end jewelry and clothing stores, such as Boodles and Yves Saint Laurent, using axes, samurai swords, and sledgehammers. During one incident, a builder who intervened was slashed and stabbed.

Salmon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery for incidents in Camden, Islington, Westminster, and the City of London. He was acquitted of a charge related to the robbery at Boodles.

Following his release from prison, Salmon's criminal activities extended internationally. He became a "courier" for a UK-based criminal organization in New Zealand, where he defrauded elderly individuals, some as old as 95. He and accomplices posed as undercover police officers to trick victims into withdrawing large sums of cash or purchasing gold bullion. In total, Salmon was responsible for stealing NZ$400,000 (£171,000) from 19 victims. He was arrested when police intercepted him during a pickup of gold bullion. He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of obtaining cash and gold by deception and two attempted charges, receiving a four-year prison sentence. He was granted parole in February of this year and deported back to the UK.

Salmon had been back in Islington for only seven months before his death. Detectives have been conducting forensic examinations and interviewing residents in the neighborhood, where homes are valued up to £2.25 million. The investigation into Salmon's murder is ongoing, with the Metropolitan Police stating that inquiries into his criminal history are part of the investigation.

The victim's family released a statement describing him as a "loving partner and son." Friends remembered him as a kind and respectful individual. Residents of Lloyd Baker Street expressed shock at the violent incident, noting the area's usual tranquility.