Birmingham, UK – A Birmingham-based solicitor who stood as an independent candidate in the 4 July 2024 general election has been charged with money laundering offences following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
Akhmed Yakoob, 37, a solicitor from Perry Barr, and accountant Nabeel Afzal, 38, from Edgbaston, have each been charged with three criminal counts related to money laundering. The duo is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 17 June.
The charges include:
- Money laundering
- Encouraging money laundering
- Failing to apply customer due diligence measures when establishing a business relationship
The alleged offences took place between 18 February 2020 and 8 January 2021.
Yakoob, who ran as an independent candidate in the recent general election, has now come under legal scrutiny as part of the NCA’s crackdown on financial crime.
An NCA spokesperson stated: “This investigation highlights our commitment to tackling illicit financial activity. No individual is above the law, regardless of their profession or public profile.”
Further updates are expected as the case progresses.