Lambeth man admits importing illegal zombie knives

Jonathan Soares, 20, of Paulet Road, Lambeth, has pleaded guilty to 12 charges at Inner London Crown Court. The offences include being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of prohibitions for zombie knives and flick knives, marketing a combat knife, and possessing counterfeit cash. Soares admitted his guilt on 10 September 2026.

Weapons Seized

As part of the Metropolitan Police investigation into Soares' activities, officers seized 650 illegal zombie knives before they could be distributed. Further seizures included 10 zombie knives and 20 push daggers found in a parcel intercepted in Croydon, which was intended for resale. Another shipment ordered by Soares contained 150 zombie-style machetes.

Fraudulent Activities

Detectives discovered £7,690 in counterfeit cash stored in two safes at Soares' home address. The investigation also revealed Soares was involved in fraudulent activities, including making phishing scripts and possessing banking credentials for use in frauds. He also admitted importing a medicinal product without a licence.

Supply Network

Soares ordered weapons in bulk from overseas suppliers, providing specific details about the knives he wanted. Messages found on his devices indicated he was selling weapons across London and encouraging others to expand their operations. He was also found to be making enquiries about importing and manufacturing firearms. Detective Chief Inspector Imran Beg stated that Soares sold weapons with a disregard for the damage they caused, even seeking feedback on their use in stabbings.

Co-accused Pleads Guilty

Analysis of a Telegram group linked to Soares led detectives to a parcel addressed to Rayhan Rahman, 18, of Saville Road, Chadwell Heath. This parcel contained 10 zombie knives and 20 push daggers destined for resale. Rahman pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of a prohibition for these weapons on 5 August 2026. He further pleaded guilty on 10 September 2026 to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition for zombie knives and flick knives. Rahman is scheduled for sentencing on 13 October 2026.

Sentencing

Jonathan Soares will be sentenced at a later date. Commander Stephen Clayman of the National Knife Crime Centre noted that the investigation prevented hundreds of weapons from reaching communities and highlighted the threat from online sellers circumventing legislation.