Accused: Wife knew nothing of £25m 'scam' (From Your Local Guardian)

Accused: Wife knew nothing of £25m 'scam'

11:13am Tuesday 17th June 2008 in News By Court Reporter

A man accused of laundering more than £25m through his flat has put the blame firmly on his brother and nephew in Dubai where much of the money was channelled, a court heard.

He also claims his wife had nothing to do with money laundering along with the Richmond minicab driver accused of being involved in the scam.

Loch Hakimzada, 49, was arrested with wife Parven, 45, at their Edgar Road flat in Hounslow by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Agency SOCA on August 23, 2006.

He admits three charges, which his wife denies, one of being concerned in money-laundering, one of transferring criminal property and one of having criminal property on and before August 23, 2006, and denies a further charge of carrying on the business after his arrest with minicab driver Kuljit Grover, 33.

Grover, who was arrested on January 30 at his home in Chaucer Avenue, Richmond, denies a further two charges of transferring criminal property and possessing criminal property.

The jury at Isleworth Crown Court heard that the total sum taken in by the Hakimzadas in 213 transactions, was £25,660,168 and the total which went out through two money transfer companies and various banks, was £25,251,000.

Loch Hakimzada, speaking through a Dari (Afghan) interpreter, insisted that Parven knew nothing about the money passing through their flat, despite the fact carrier bags and boxes full of cash were stowed in the broom cupboard and laundry basket.

He said Grover was merely a minicab driver whom he used regularly.

The trial continues.