From Dundee to Iraq: The Disturbing Case of Extortion and Threats

A chilling episode unfolded in the courtroom of Perth Sheriff Court this week as Karivan Mizuri, a Dundee-based chef with a history of criminal behaviour, faced the repercussions of his brazen extortion attempts against an Iraqi general. The details that emerged during the proceedings highlighted not only Mizuri’s menacing tactics but also the cultural misunderstandings that might underpin his actions.

In 2022, Mizuri was jailed for 47 months after being convicted of blackmailing the general, whose daughter he had previously victimised by posting explicit images online without her consent. This campaign of abuse not only sought financial gain, with Mizuri attempting to extort £37,000 from her father, but also inflicted considerable emotional distress on the victim and her family.

Fast forward to December 2023, a mere ten months after his release, Mizuri’s troubling behaviour resurfaced. Prosecutor Vicki Bell revealed that he made multiple abusive phone calls to the Iraqi general, demanding the return of his daughter to Dundee. Remarkably, these calls occurred just days before Christmas, a time typically associated with family and goodwill. Mizuri’s disregard for the holiday spirit was clear as he engaged in a series of vile communications, referring to the general’s daughter only as “the girl” and making deeply offensive remarks.

During one of these conversations, he brazenly stated, “Send her back. You can record this call and send it to police. I’m not scared.” Such threats were made in the presence of the daughter, who had moved back to Iraq following Mizuri’s earlier violations. This comprehensive harassment strategy aimed to pressure the general into withdrawing his previous complaints against Mizuri.

Remarkably, as Mizuri remained incarcerated in HMP Perth, he continued to plot further intimidation. He discussed with his family the possibility of engaging a Kurdish solicitor to fabricate claims that the general had wronged him financially, suggesting a ploy to coerce the general into dropping charges. This aspect of the case illustrates a profound misunderstanding of legal recourse, which his solicitor, Angela McLardy, attested to, indicating that Mizuri struggled with the nuances of Scots law and the differences in cultural perspectives.

Mizuri’s actions transcend mere misguided attempts at extortion; they are indicative of a troubling pattern of manipulation and threats. Describing him as a “broken man,” Ms McLardy pointed to cultural misunderstandings that may have contributed to his criminal mindset, but the Sheriff, William Wood, made it clear that such justifications do not excuse the offensive content of Mizuri’s remarks.

As law enforcement apprehended Mizuri, he attempted to portray himself as a victim, claiming to have been framed and lacking evidence against him. However, the weight of his previous convictions—specifically a 2021 case involving similar allegations—demonstrates a consistent disregard for the law and for the well-being of others. The earlier conviction involved his exploitation of the general’s daughter, highlighting a troubling trend in Mizuri’s behaviour and raising serious questions about his accountability.

The combination of threats, manipulation, and cultural misunderstandings poses a complex challenge for the legal system. While Mizuri’s solicitor argued for a level of leniency due to these misunderstandings, the court acknowledged the need for a thorough assessment of his behaviour. As the case continues, Mizuri awaits further sentencing, having been remanded for his ongoing offences.

This disturbing saga emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal behaviour, cultural context, and legal ramifications. As Mizuri’s case unfolds, it raises broader questions about how societal norms and laws intersect, especially when individuals from vastly different backgrounds interact in legally sensitive ways.

Reference Map:

  • Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[2]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/2911341/dundee-chef-blackmail-guilty/)
  • Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[3]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/3010938/blackmail-iraqi-dundee-revenge/)
  • Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[5]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/2915964/dundee-blackmail-chef-revenge/)
  • Paragraph 4 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[6]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/2906934/dundee-chef-general-blackmail/)
  • Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[2]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/2911341/dundee-chef-blackmail-guilty/)
  • Paragraph 6 – [[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/5238621/dundee-chef-calls-iraqi-general-daughter/), [[4]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/3187172/dundee-blackmailer-general-appeal/)

Source: Noah Wire Services