CUSTOMS CHARGE ELEVEN FOR MONEY LAUNDERING

16 Jul 2002 11:40 AM

Following last week's raids across London to root out money launderers Customs & Excise Law Enforcement Investigators have charged eleven Londoners with money laundering and/or

Class A drugs offences.

Customs officers, supported by the Metropolitan Police Specialist Firearms Unit and the National Crime Squad, arrested eighteen people last Tuesday night as part of an operation codenamed "Undulating".

Those charged and remanded in custody to reappear at Horseferry Magistrates Court on Friday 19 July are:

Omar Abdul Farook LATIF, 49, of 276 Durnsford Rd, London. SW19 8DT Charged with money laundering offences.

Naushad YOONUS, 30, of 56 Gresham Way, London. SW19 8ED Charged with money laundering offences.

Sarfaraz PATEL, 25, of 77 Windsor Road, Forestgate, London. E7 0GY Charged with money laundering offences.

Ulmeo BALBAN, 31, of 42a Hogarth Road, London. SW5 0PU Charged with money laundering offences.

Fabiola BENYETTOU (mother of Balban), 52, of 42a Hogarth Road, London. SW5 Charged with money laundering offences.

Jose DIAZ, 48, of Flat 73 Ellenborough House, White City Estate, London W12 7NB Charged with money laundering offences and Harbouring a Class A drug.

Ricado TOFFOLI, 32, of 168 Streamside Close, London. N9 9XD Charged with money laundering offences.

Alberto ESCOBAR, 41, of 31 Pentire Road, London. E17 4BY Charged with money laundering offences & Harbouring a Class A drug.

John HURTADO, 20, of 31 Pentire Road, London E17 4BY Charged with harbouring a Class A drug.

Manuel GOMEZ, 29, of 31 Pentire Road, London E17 4BY Charged with harbouring a Class A drug.

Nadier MARTINEZ, 23, of 31 Pentire Road, London. E17 4BY Charged with harbouring a Class A drug.

The nationalities of the defendants are being confirmed. A further seven people were arrested and bailed to return at a later date. Customs Investigations are continuing.

Notes for editors

From 1 June 2002 all bureaux de change, money transmitters and third party cheque cashers (collectively know as Money Service Businesses) must have registered with HM Customs & Excise. There are new penalties of up to £5,000 for failing to register.

If using specific facts contained in this release please check the information is still current.

Issued by HM Customs and Excise Communications Division

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