WIREDGOV

In February 2018 the National Crime Agency successfully applied for Unexplained Wealth Orders requiring explanations to be provided as to how properties in the South East of England, valued in the region of £22 million, had been funded and purchased. One of the respondents, a Political Exposed Person from a Non EEA country, sought to challenge the Order. The ruling dismisses that challenge in full.

Donald Toon, NCA Director for Economic Crime, yesterday commented:

“I am very pleased that the court dismissed the respondent’s arguments today. This demonstrates that the NCA is absolutely right to ask probing questions about the funds used to purchase prime property. We will continue with this case and seek to quickly move others to the High Court. We are determined to use the powers available to us to their fullest extent where we have concerns that we cannot determine legitimate sources of wealth."