Friends of Missing Shopkeeper Found Safe After 5 Years Worry He May Have Faked His Own Death for a Fresh Start

FRIENDS of a shopkeeper who turned up safe and well five years after vanishing say they fear he may have faked his own death to start a new life.

, then 46, went missing in May 2020 after he clocked off work in Bradford, .

Ismail Ali was last seen leaving work at the Gulam Food Stores at 2.30pm on May 29, 2020Credit: MEN Media Ismail’s family has been notified and he is being safeguarded by police while they carry out checksCredit: SWNS

On Monday, three women – aged 47, 54 and 55 – and two men – aged 27 and 51 – were arrested on suspicion of his murder.

In a shocking twist, Ismail turned up three days later at a station to let them know he was alive.

Ismail’s family has been notified and he is being “safeguarded” by police while they carry out checks.

But questions are swirling as to where the shopkeeper has been all these years.

Speaking to MailOnline , a friend of the popular shopkeeper speculated that he may have wanted to start a “new life”.

“I know he was very stressed before he vanished.

“He was having problems with his wife. There were lots of rows and stress at home.

“Maybe he finally had enough and started a new life. Maybe he faked his own death? No one knows.”

Another said they think he handed himself in after hearing that people had been arrested over his murder, to stop them from getting in trouble.

On Monday, West Police said they had seized a large amount of cash from three properties with a number of those arrested now on bail for laundering offences.

A spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating the suspicious disappearance of Bradford man Ismail Ali in 2020 can confirm that he turned up at a police station yesterday reporting to be safe and well.

“Officers are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

“Mr Ali’s family have been notified that he has been found safe and well and is being safeguarded whilst necessary checks are being made.

“Following the arrests on Monday, house searches were carried out at three properties and a large amount of cash was seized. A number of the people who were arrested remain on bail for money laundering offences.

“Enquiries will remain ongoing for some time into the money laundering offences. Officers would like to thank members of the public who shared the appeal for Mr Ali.”

Questions are swirling as to where the shopkeeper has been all these yearsCredit: MEN Media