This is second-ever use of anti-corruption orders to stop foreigners laundering cash in the UK in which the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators are looking into the funds used to purchase the properties.
Interim Freezing Orders held on the homes means that they cannot be sold or given a new owner until the investigation is over.
If the suspect - known as a "politically exposed person" (PEP) - cannot explain the source of the wealth, the NCA can ask the High Court to order the homes' seizure.
The rules for British PEPs were extended under the Fourth Money Lauding Directive ehere agents are required to apply Enhanced Due Diligence on them. PEPs are individuals that are entrusted with prominent public functions (senior political figures or their immediate family and close associates), held in the UK or abroad.
There is no central database for checking PEPs however, information is available in the public domain (internet searches, websites etc).
UWOs are an anti-financial crime power targeted at foreign government officials and their families from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are believed to have laundered stolen money through British property.
The measure aims to target people who have committed huge frauds and embezzlements abroad where there is little or no chance of obtaining the evidence to convict them in a British court.
The first ever UWO was used against two London properties believed to belong to jailed banker, JahangirHajiyeva and his wife Zamira Hajiyev who lives in a £12 million London home and owns a Berkshire golf course.
Propertymark resources
Ignorance is no defence; you’re expected to know the law and there can be huge fines or even a prison sentence if you fail to comply.
Anti-money laundering (AML) training and resources
We have created a number of resources, forms and training options for agents and auctioneers to comply with their Anti-Money Laundering obligations.