A SHOPKEEPER who disappeared five years ago has reappeared days after five people were arrested for his murder.
Missing since 2020, Ismali Ali suddenly reappeared yesterday at a police station “safe and well”, cops said.
The shopkeeper had vanished without a trace in May 2020 after leaving work at Gulam Food Stores in Lidget Green, Bradford.
Remarkably, West Yorkshire Police had arrested five people on Monday on suspicion of his murder.
Three women, aged 47, 54 and 55, and two men, aged 27 and 51 were all arrested.
Three days later and the force said he turned up at a police station reporting to be “safe and well”.
Ali’s family has been notified while he is being “safeguarded” by police while they carry out checks.
West Yorkshire Police launched a raid on three properties in Beckside Road and Cumberland Road – where Ali was last spotted – on Monday as part of an investigation into his murder.
They reported seizing a large amount of cash from three properties with a number of those arrested now on bail for money laundering offences.
A spokesperson said: “Officers are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
“Mr Ali’s family have been notified that he has been found safe and well and is being safeguarded whilst necessary checks are being made.
“Following the arrests on Monday, house searches were carried out at three properties and a large amount of cash was seized. A number of the people who were arrested remain on bail for money laundering offences.
“Enquiries will remain ongoing for some time into the money laundering offences. Officers would like to thank members of the public who shared the appeal for Mr Ali.”
