'Ruthless killer' guilty of kidnapping, torturing and murdering his own uncle

The body of bus driver Asghar Badshah was found hidden in an inside wall of a former bank in December 2019

A 'ruthless killer' has been found guilty of kidnapping, torturing and murdering his own uncle in a row over stolen money.

After years at large, Tahir Syed, who escaped justice by fleeing the country to Turkey, has been convicted of the horrific crimes. The body of his uncle, bus driver Asghar Badshah was found hidden in an inside wall of an old bank in Commercial Street in Batley in 2019.

Asghar had been reported missing 25 days before his body was discovered on December 29, 2019, YorkshireLive reports.

He had been kidnapped in Bradford during the early hours of November 30 that year.

A number of men have already been convicted in relation to his kidnapping and death.

A jury at Leeds Crown Court has now convicted Syed, 42, of murder, conspiracy to kidnap and connected drug supply offences.

The Crown Prosecution Service says he had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess criminal money.

An investigation uncovered that Syed had organised Asghar's abduction and had organised for him to be tortured.

It is believed he committed the sick acts over stolen drug money he felt he was owed.

Julian Baggs, 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 on Friday (June 13).