Man posed as legitimate driver outside nightclub
A man posing as a taxi driver has been found guilty of abducting and sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman after a night out in Stirling.
32-year-old Mahmoud Kalawizada, who lived in Stirling at the time but is originally from London, targeted the victim outside Fubar Nightclub in August 2022.
Kalawizada parked his dark blue BMW in a loading bay near the official taxi rank, pretending to be a licensed driver. When the woman approached asking for a lift, he agreed to take her home despite not being booked or authorised to operate as a taxi.
Victim locked in car and assaulted
Instead of driving her home, Kalawizada made several unscheduled stops, including a detour to a McDonald’s before taking the woman to a secluded street in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire.
He then locked the doors – believed to have engaged the child lock – and sexually assaulted her. The terrified woman managed to escape after screaming for help and contacted her boyfriend, who called the police.
CCTV footage later confirmed a woman’s screams around 1:56am, matching her account of the ordeal.
Guilty verdict and sentencing
Following a three-day trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, Kalawizada was found guilty of abduction, sexual assault, and operating as an unlicensed taxi driver.
Sheriff Craig Harris revoked his bail, warning that Kalawizada posed “a substantial risk to women,” and remanded him in custody. He will be sentenced on 19 November 2025.
Stirling Council later confirmed that Kalawizada was never licensed as a taxi driver or private hire operator in the area.
Police Scotland statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said:
“This was a calculated and predatory attack on a young woman who believed she was getting into a legitimate taxi. We would urge anyone who suspects a driver or vehicle is unlicensed to report it immediately.”
Warning for passengers
This shocking case highlights the dangers of unlicensed and bogus taxi drivers operating outside nightclubs and bars.
Passenger safety tips:
- Only use official licensed taxis or pre-booked private hire vehicles.
- Check for council-issued plates, driver ID badges, and company branding.
- If using an app such as Uber or Bolt, always verify the registration and driver name before entering the vehicle.
- Avoid unmarked cars, especially if the driver approaches you.
- Share your live journey details with a friend or family member.
Passengers are urged to remain vigilant, particularly during late-night hours when vulnerable individuals are often targeted.
Impact on the taxi and private hire industry
Incidents like this damage public confidence in legitimate, licensed taxi and private hire drivers who work hard to maintain safety and trust.
Industry groups have reiterated calls for stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and clearer visual identification for licensed vehicles.
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