Recruitment Tycoon Jailed After Threatening Stewardess and Business Collapse

Salman Iftikhar, a recruitment tycoon, was revealed to be the individual who threatened a Virgin Atlantic stewardess with gang rape and arson. His business subsequently collapsed, leaving behind £17 million in debts. Iftikhar, who is married to two women, made the threats to flight attendant Angie Walsh, which included dragging her from her hotel room, gang raping her, and setting her on fire.

Witnesses in first class observed Iftikhar, traveling with one of his wives and three children, repeatedly directing abusive language towards Ms. Walsh during the flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan. Following the incident, he also threatened to blow up the five-star hotel where the cabin crew was scheduled to stay. Despite this, no immediate action was taken against him upon landing. He was later arrested at his £900,000 home in Buckinghamshire after returning from his holiday.

Iftikhar was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Isleworth Crown Court after pleading guilty to making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. The judge considered his six previous convictions, including a common assault, describing his record as "lengthy and appalling." At the time of his arrest, the father of three, who lived in a six-bedroom home with his wife, Erum Salman, possessed an array of luxury cars, including a Range Rover, Bentley, and Rolls Royce. The couple operated a London-based staffing company.

Despite his apparent wealth, Iftikhar's recruitment business failed, resulting in significant debts. The business, known as Core Labour Supply Limited (CLSL), had a rapid rise, achieving a turnover of nearly £90 million in 2022. This allowed Iftikhar to maintain a lavish lifestyle, drawing substantial dividends annually. However, the business was severely affected by the Covid pandemic and the loss of major clients.

A neighbor described Iftikhar as someone who liked to flaunt his wealth. During his sentencing, Iftikhar broke down in tears. The judge highlighted that his threats were made in the presence of his children and involved significant violence. Ms. Walsh, who had to leave her job for a period, has since returned to work. The judge emphasized the sustained nature of the incident, which included repeated racist abuse, and noted Iftikhar's failure to address his underlying drug and alcohol problems.