A SHOP owner says he is delighted two fraudsters "are off the streets" after they tried to buy his takeaway shop with fake money.

In an attempt to make him sell, Irfan Erdogan, who also owns an off licence in Gravesend, was shown photographs of an African gold mine, gold powder and a suitcase full of cash.

The two con men, Tenness Leabua, of Wordsworth Way, Dartford, and Brown Tarley, of Footscray Road, Eltham, were last week jailed over the scam for 12 and 16 months respectively.

Mr Erdogen, 45, told News Shopper: "I live in Gravesend and people like this are a danger to my family and my children.

"I'm glad they are off the streets of Gravesend for now, so hard working people are not robbed."

The father-of-two added: "I realised something was going wrong.

"I do not like people who rob those who are working very long hours. I didn't want them to rob us so I decided to call the police."

Leabua, 55, pleaded guilty to six charges of being in possession of articles for use in fraud while Tarley, 40, was convicted of three counts of the same offence following a four day trial last month.

The pair claimed to have access to "plenty of money" from a gold mine in Africa, saying they wished to buy the freehold of Mr Erdogen's business in New Road and open an internet cafe.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Erdogen told the men to make arrangements through their solicitor and a £150,000 offer was made, with notes tainted black in colour.

Leabua and Tarley were then caught red-handed with foreign bank notes, dyes and chemicals.

Detective Sergeant David Ecuyer, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This conviction demonstrates to communities Kent Police will take reports of fraud seriously and do all it can to identify and arrest fraudsters such as Leabua and Tarley.

“However we do also need the support of the public in reporting such incidents and would like to reassure people that they need not feel ashamed or embarrassed if they have fallen victim - these fraudsters are well versed in smooth talking local businesses into deals, particularly in these times of recession.”