Quentin Hunt ensures Police take No Further Action against high net worth individuals

Quentin Hunt, instructed by Lisa McKinnon-Lower at Spencer-West Solicitors, acted for two high net worth individuals investigated by Police on suspicion of international money laundering. 

The clients, Pakistani nationals, had used the Hawala banking system to purchase high value timepieces and works of art. A Police investigation centred around the UK side of the transactions being allegedly linked to significant fraudulent activity. It was alleged that the clients may have been involved in Money Laundering activity. 

Quentin and Lisa initially dealt with applications for Asset Freezing Orders made section 303Z14 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and then addressed the main criminal investigation. 

They made detailed representations on the issue of whether it was appropriate to investigate their clients, and provided a comprehensive dossier of supportive evidence, much of which related to expert and technical submissions relating to the Hawala Banking system . Following detailed meetings with the client they were able to provide legitimate explanations for all the ‘suspicious’ transactions highlighted by the Police and were able to place the transactions in the context of the cultural use of the Hawala system and the significant worth of their clients.

Following a period of correspondence between the Police and the defence team, where various queries were addressed, the Police confirmed by correspondence that No Further Action was to be taken against Quentin and Lisa’s clients.