An Uber driver wishing to open a market stall in Spitalfields was conned out of £60,000 after he was duped by a sleek fraudster.

Detectives investigating the swindle have released an E-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the scam.

The 51-year-old victim from Brentford, met the conman, who used the name ‘Hussein’ or ‘Huseyin’, through his work and after telling him of his market dreams the fraudster claimed he was a businessman with clothing factories in Turkey and could get him cut price stock.

He persuaded his victim to hand over his bank details so he could take out loans on his behalf which would pay for the stock for a stall in Spitalfields and Portobello Road once it arrived.

However when the victim asked when the goods would arrive he was fobbed off several times before being told he should pay up front in cash which he did.

He never heard from the conman again.

Detectives believe the man is behind fraud where a 49-year-old man was persuaded into handing over £100,000 in cash to a fake mortgage broker.

The suspect is described as aged between 35 and 45, over 6ft tall, and of stocky or muscular build, with a bald or shaved head, and quite frequently wears sunglasses on his head.

He speaks Turkish, always wears a smart suit with a white shirt, but never a tie.

Det Con Nicholas Strachan, investigating officer, said: “He is a manipulative man who exploits people; in these incidents the victims described how he played on sharing the Muslim faith and being of an immigrant background to lure the victims into believing that he was helping them to better themselves.

“I am also sure that the e-fit we have issued, and the descriptions of the suspect’s manner and habits, will alert potential victims who may already have been approached by someone matching the suspect’s description. If you have, I ask you to get in contact immediately.”

A 51-year-old man and a 35-year-old man have been arrested as part of the investigation on suspicion of fraud.

They have both been released under investigation.

Anyone who has information should call 101 and ask to speak to the West Area Command Unit, quoting reference 2513562/18.