Asylum seeker 'caught red-handed' ransacking Leeds AirBnBs

An asylum seeker has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after being caught "red-handed" while ransacking and stealing valuable items from multiple AirBnB properties in Leeds city centre. Ladislav Kavir, 47, of Bayswater Terrace, Harehills, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in March 2026.

The court heard that Kavir had targeted several short-term holiday lets located on The Headrow. He was caught on camera alongside an accomplice loading stolen flat-screen televisions, coffee machines, and other household appliances into the back of a waiting taxi. The owner of the property, alerted by security alerts, rushed to the scene and confronted Kavir directly, detaining him on the street until police arrived.

During the trial, prosecutors presented clear CCTV evidence showing Kavir’s involvement in the systematic targeting of the apartments over a period of weeks. The defense argued that Kavir had faced challenging personal circumstances, but the judge noted the premeditated nature of the burglaries and the significant disruption caused to the local businesses operating the holiday lets.

It was revealed in court that Kavir had previously been refused asylum and has no legal leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Home Office representatives confirmed that he is expected to face deportation proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence. West Yorkshire Police welcomed the sentence, highlighting the importance of vigilant property owners and high-quality security systems in securing convictions.