Two men jailed for plotting to shoot another

An Oldham man and a friend who plotted to kill another male have been jailed after an investigation into the conversation, supply and possession of firearms.

Mohammed Raji (21), of Mansfield Road, Glodwick, was locked up for seven years and six months for possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (Tues). 

While, Dominik Pelikan (18), of Mayfair Gardens, Rochdale was handed a sentence of eight years and nine months for the transfer of a firearm, possession without certificate, possession of ammunition and conversion of a firearm.  

During the investigation last year, Pelikan was identified making his way from Manchester to Bradford, attending a business premises known for supplying blank-firing firearms and weapons. 

He left the shop having purchased a Ekol Botan blank-firing handgun, before heading back to Manchester. 

On August 2, 2024, Pelikan visited a well-known DIY store and purchased 8mm of solid brass. 

Later that day, officers executed a warrant on Mayfair Gardens in Rochdale and located the suspect within a bedroom and recovered; an iPhone, ammunition, hand tools and a barrel, which was later confirmed to be from an Ekol Botan blank-firing pistol. 

Analysis from Pelikan revealed that he had been in conversation with Mohammed Raji around a plan to source a firearm and shoot another individual. 

During the message exchanges, Raji says to Pelikan: ‘Yh bro my man was giving me chattin so I showed him Im gunna be in gorton today.’ 

Pelikan replies: ‘got 2 tings ther just not many shells fam’ alluding to two firearms and ammunition. Raji says: ‘minor just need to hit him once.’ 

On August 23, 2024, firearms officers attended an address on Mansfield Gardens in Oldham and arrested Raji on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with the intent to endanger life. 

During a search of the address, a black handgun and ammunition were found in a plastic bag at the rear of the property. 

The investigation also revealed that Pelikan purchased a further 17 blank-firers between late December 2023 to April 2024. 

Detective Inspector Richard Castley from the Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Today's sentence of 16 years' imprisonment for Pelikan and Raji sends a clear message about how seriously we treat firearms offences in Greater Manchester. 

“The investigation revealed their sinister plot to use a converted firearm against another individual – a stark reminder of how dangerous these weapons are.  

“This converted firearm could have caused serious injury or could have killed someone, which was precisely what these offenders were planning. 

“We remain committed to reducing the number of firearms and discharges across our city-region. We work tirelessly to gather intelligence, execute warrants, and bring offenders to justice.” 

If you know of anyone who you believe has access to, owns, or is using a firearm of any type for criminal means, contact police immediately.  

You can provide information via 101, website and LiveChat service, or 999 if the threat is immediate.  

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.