Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Bradford shop worker have now initiated a murder investigation. Ismail Ali was last seen leaving the Gulam Food Stores on Cumberland Road in Lidget Green at 2:30 PM on Friday, May 29, 2020, and has not been seen since. West Yorkshire Police detectives now suspect he may have been murdered and have arrested five individuals.Credit: MEN MediaA SHOPKEEPER who went missing five years ago has resurfaced just days after five people were arrested in connection with his murder.
Missing since 2020, Ismail Ali unexpectedly appeared at a police station yesterday, reported to be “safe and well,” according to authorities.
Ismail Ali has suddenly reappeared after disappearing five years agoCredit: MEN Media
The shopkeeper vanished without a trace in May 2020 after leaving work at Gulam Food Stores in Lidget Green, Bradford.
Interestingly, West Yorkshire Police had arrested five individuals on Monday on suspicion of his murder.
Those arrested included three women, aged 47, 54, and 55, and two men, aged 27 and 51.
Three days later, he showed up at a police station claiming to be “safe and well.”
As part of the murder investigation, West Yorkshire Police conducted raids on three properties located on Beckside Road and Cumberland Road—where Ali was last seen—on Monday.
They reported seizing a significant amount of cash from these properties, and several individuals who were arrested are currently on bail for money laundering offenses.
A spokesperson stated: “Officers are working to understand the complete circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
“Mr. Ali’s family has been informed that he has been found safe and well and is being safeguarded while necessary checks are conducted.
“Following the arrests on Monday, house searches were performed at three properties, and a large amount of cash was confiscated. Several of those arrested remain on bail for money laundering offenses.
“Investigations into the money laundering offenses will continue for some time. Officers would like to thank the public for sharing the appeal regarding Mr. Ali.”
Table of Contents
- Investigation Background
- Murder Suspicions and Arrests
- Details of Disappearance
- Resurfacing of Ismail Ali
- Police Statement
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the murder investigation of Ismail Ali?
The investigation was initiated after Ismail Ali went missing in May 2020, and recent developments led detectives to suspect he may have been murdered, resulting in the arrest of five individuals.
How long was Ismail Ali missing?
Ismail Ali was missing for five years before he recently reappeared at a police station.
What actions have the police taken regarding the case?
The police conducted raids on multiple properties connected to the investigation and arrested several individuals, some of whom are on bail for money laundering offenses.
