Police officers went undercover dressed at Batman and Robin in a creative sting to catch Westminster Bridge con artists.
The inventive ploy saw two officers burst into a crowd of tens of people disguised as the superheroes before grabbing the scammers.
Two men have since been convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court.
The Metropolitan Police, posting a witty video of the arrests on X, joked about the discussions they had while planning their swoop.
‘But they have spotters,’ they said. ‘You need to go undercover. They always see you coming’.
The Met added: ‘Due to how recognised the local neighbourhood team are to those involved in crime on Westminster Bridge, they had to get creative!’
Following the operation, Costica Barbu was remanded by police and fined £925.
Yesterday, Eugen Stoica was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court in his absence.
Police officers went undercover dressed at Batman and Robin in a creative sting to catch Westminster Bridge con artists
The inventive ploy saw two offices burst into a crowd of tens of people disguised as the superheroes before grabbing the scammers
The Met said: ‘Due to how recognised the local neighbourhood team are to those involved in crime on Westminster Bridge, they had to get creative!’
He was previously granted bail but left the country and failed to appear at court.
A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.
‘We know criminality on Westminster Bridge is a concern for the public,’ the police said.
‘We will continue to target those involved, arrest them and continue to put them before the courts.’
Westminster Bridge, despite being just minutes from the Houses of Parliament and New Scotland Yard, has been described as one of the most lawless places in London.
Illegal gambling gangs block the crossing and swindle tourists with the cup and ball game.
The Metropolitan Police previously said they ‘recognise the issues caused by the cup and ball scammers’.
In November, the bridge was swarmed after a man was attacked in front of horrified tourists just metres from Parliament.
Horrified passers-by looked on as dozens of police officers and emergency services workers were called to the scene, with the busy bridge closed in both directions.
