In a highly unusual yet effective sting operation, two police officers in London donned superhero costumes to outwit street scammers targeting tourists on Westminster Bridge.
Inspector Darren Watson and Police Constable Abdi Osman of the Metropolitan Police force turned to unconventional methods to apprehend two repeat offenders known for scamming unsuspecting tourists using the infamous “three-cups challenge” or “shell game”.
With their identities compromised due to frequent patrols in the area, the officers decided it was time for a creative solution. Disguised as Batman and Robin, the duo staged a covert operation on 15 February which led to the arrest of Eugen Stocia, 32, and Constica-Gherorghe Barbu, 53.
Mr Watson, who oversees neighbourhood policing in Lambeth North West, explained the reasoning behind the disguise: “We know that two repeat offenders have been operating on Westminster Bridge and have come to recognise me and my team from our patrols.
I knew that if we were going to catch them we would have to think outside the box, and then I remembered that I had Batman and Robin costumes to hand which could come in useful.”
POW! Officers disguised as Batman & Robin catch scammers red-handed on Westminster Bridge ♂️
Street scammers flee when they spot uniformed officers, so our local policing team are deploying creative tactics to protect the public.
#CrimeFightingHeroes pic.twitter.com/k5bZ6dJhfr— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 11, 2025
The operation proved successful as both suspects were caught in the act. Mr Watson, dressed as Batman, and Pc Osman, as Robin, carried out the arrest on the busy tourist bridge, drawing attention for both their attire and the swift execution of justice.
“Although dressing up may not be the most conventional policing method, we were thrilled to see that in this case it worked perfectly and the team were able to get some great results, taking these people off the street and protecting tourists and Londoners from being fleeced,” added Inspector Watson.
Following the arrests:
- Constica-Gherorghe Barbu was convicted at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on 17 February for providing facilities to gamble. He was fined £925.
- Eugen Stocia, however, failed to appear in court and was convicted in his absence on 10 April at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. A warrant has since been issued for his arrest.
The Metropolitan Police commended the officers for their initiative, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community protection in policing efforts.
