Moment former G4S security guard uses old uniform to trick bank workers into handing over £117,000 before he flees to Ghana

A former security guard in London successfully deceived bank staff into handing over £117,200 in cash by impersonating a legitimate security officer using an outdated uniform. The incident occurred in July 2022 at a Santander branch located in Brixton, south London. According to court records, the perpetrator, identified as Kwabena Kissi, 40, entered the bank wearing a helmet, mask, and visor, alongside an old uniform he had previously worn while working for the private security firm G4S between 2019 and 2020. This disguise allowed him to blend in seamlessly with the usual routine of a security officer collecting cash from the bank’s vault.

CCTV footage captured the entire sequence of events. Kissi walked into the bank, approached the staff, and was permitted entry into the secure area where cash collections typically occur. The bank staff, believing him to be a legitimate representative of G4S, handed him several bags of cash. Unbeknownst to them, these bags contained £117,200. After collecting the money, Kissi placed it into a large security-style briefcase and exited the premises without raising any suspicion. Moments later, he was seen walking along the street, having changed into civilian clothing and placing the stolen cash into a bin bag. He then ordered an Uber ride, using his real name and phone number, which ultimately led to his arrest almost four years later.

Kissi fled to Ghana immediately following the theft, arriving in Accra the very next day. There, he reportedly lived with his ailing mother for approximately four years. His presence in the country remained undetected until March 2025, when he attempted to return to the United Kingdom. During this attempt, he made the critical error of booking an Uber ride using his real name and contact information. This act triggered an investigation by law enforcement, who traced the booking back to the time of the heist and linked it directly to Kissi. Police intercepted him upon his arrival at Gatwick Airport and conducted a search of his belongings, discovering the same mobile phone he had used during the crime. This evidence confirmed his involvement in the theft.

During his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in April 2025, Kissi pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison by Judge Rosa Dean, who noted that Kissi had exploited his prior knowledge of G4S procedures to carry out the deception. Prosecutors highlighted that Kissi had failed to return his G4S uniform after resigning in 2020, which he later used to commit the crime. The court also heard from Santander employees, including vault manager Otis Williams, who stated that the bank had prepared £256,000 in total for collection, of which £117,200 was stolen. Employees expressed feelings of devastation and concern about potential repercussions, though none faced disciplinary action in the aftermath.

The incident underscored vulnerabilities within banking security protocols, particularly regarding the verification of personnel collecting cash. It also raised questions about the retention of uniforms by ex-employees, which could potentially be misused. Despite the emotional impact on staff, the bank maintained its operations without any significant changes to its internal policies. As for Kissi, his sentencing marks the conclusion of a legal process that spanned nearly five years, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in tracking individuals who exploit their past roles to commit crimes. With his imprisonment now underway, the focus shifts to ensuring such incidents remain rare in the future.