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Crime Solicitors

Gang jailed for over 28 years for laundering proceeds of crime (5 May 2016)

Date: 05/05/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Gang jailed for over 28 years for laundering proceeds of crime

Manchester Crown Court has sentenced six people for a total of more than 28 years in jail, after they pleased guilty to a £10 million money laundering scam.

On 29 April, Razwan Munir, Mohammed Kamran Chaudhry, Nokhaz Haider, Imran Sarwar, Umar Haq and Waqar Afzal were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, after pleading guilty to entering into or becoming concerned in a money laundering arrangement, contrary to section 328(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Razwan Munir was given nine years’ imprisonment, Mohammed Kamran Chaudhry was handed a sentence of four years, seven months’ imprisonment,
Nokhaz Haider and Imran Sarwar will each serve four years and six months in jail – while Umar Haq and Waqar Afzal each received a sentence of three years’ imprisonment.

The details of the scam involved the defendants visiting branches of the Post Office and depositing £5,000 each in cash, which then increased to £10,000 daily. At one point, they took in holdalls carrying £100,000 cash – one Post Office branch estimated that around £2m was paid in at the branch.

The cash was paid into bank accounts, which were held in the names of dormant limited companies to give the appearance of legitimate trading.

Specialist Prosecutor at the International Justice and Organised Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service, Nigel James, said:

“These individuals were part of a sophisticated money laundering enterprise involving around £10 million – they received cash from crimes like drug dealing and paid it into bank accounts. They then transferred the money abroad to hide its criminal origin from authorities.

“The CPS worked with the police to build a strong case, which led to them pleading guilty.

“The evidence included telephone records – such as the number of calls made and at what times. We also looked at messages between the individuals, including Imran Sarwar joking in October 2014 that the target for laundering cash was £9 million by Christmas.

“There was clear evidence the individuals were living lavish lifestyles beyond their declared incomes, shown by their frequent holidays abroad, expensive cars and receipts for designer clothes.

"The CPS will now take steps to recover the criminal assets of these individuals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage into an investigation into money laundering or disposing of assets, as well as advising on Confiscation Orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities, with more than 20 offices in London and the southeast. A Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can advise before charges are brought – and can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence lawyers – where Legal Aid is not available, Duncan Lewis offers competitively priced fixed fees whenever possible.

For expert legal advice on money laundering charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


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