THREE YEARS IN JAIL FOR MONEY LAUNDERING

15 Sep 2005 06:15 PM

Veysi Ertekin was today sentenced to 3 years imprisonment today at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court for money laundering the proceeds of drug dealing.

Officers from HM Revenue & Customs observed two men, Mohsen Sadeghi-Kivi and Mansour Mohammadi collecting bags from other individuals in suspicious circumstances. Two of these hand-overs were between Mohammadi and Veysi Ertekin. Sadeghi-KiviI and Mohammadi were then observed visiting various banks at which they deposited small amounts of cash, usually under the £5k minimum amount as specified by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

By introducing the money into the legitimate banking system, the criminal funds were effectively laundered. It is believed that Sadeghi-Kivi and Mohammadi had banked well in excess of £500,000 of criminal proceeds over the indictment period. Both men have already received jail sentences for their part in the crime.

His Honour Judge Karsten said:
"Your offence was a very serious one. Without people like you, big drug dealers would not be able to get rid of the proceeds of the sale of their drugs. Your actions facilitated the drug dealers. I have not the slightest doubt that you knew what you were doing."

Ian Watson, Deputy Head of Serious Financial Investigations said: "Today's verdict is a significant result in the fight against money laundering. The sentences imposed and the confiscation orders reflect the serious nature of the offences these men have committed."

This case was successfully prosecuted by the newly established Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority that reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases in England & Wales.

Notes for editors
1. The defendants in Operation Ultrasound were
* Mohsen Sadeghi-Kivi, Date of Birth 20/01/75. Born in Iran Manchester

* Mansour Mohammadi, Date of Birth 06/03/61. Born in Iran Wolverhampton

* Veysi Ertekin, Date of Birth 15/12/62. Born in Turkey
Wembley

2. On 2nd August 2004, Sadeghi-Kivi was arrested on suspicion of money laundering whilst attempting to pay £2.5k into Barclays Bank, Stockport Road, Manchester. He had a further £3,500 on his person and £14,000 in his car, which was parked outside the bank. At this time, Mohammadi was residing in Buttermere Court, London and he too was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. During the search of Sadeghi-Kivi's home address, he was found to be in possession of £118,000 Sterling and E25,000. When Mohammadi's home in Wolverhampton was searched, 2kg opium was discovered concealed in a chimney in his bedroom.

3. A confiscation hearing will be held in the near future.

4. The Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO) was created by Royal
Assent on 7 April 2005. An independent prosecuting authority, RCPO reports directly to the Attorney General, and is responsible for prosecuting some of the largest drug and fraud cases in the UK.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Media Relations

Website www.hmrc.gov.uk