Security Boss Fined Nearly £4K for Dodging SIA Probe
Ahsin Akhtar, 36, director of Acre & Tweed Group Ltd, was caught out lying to the Security Industry Authority (SIA). On December 12, 2023, he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to failing to provide information to the regulator.
Unlicensed Guards with Cloned Licences Spark Clampdown
Akhtar’s firm was linked to a scandal involving unlicensed security guards using cloned SIA licences across the South East. The SIA launched a probe after discovering one such cloned licence connected to his company.
Despite being hit with multiple requests for info from December 2022 onwards, Akhtar stonewalled the authority. After no response, he was called in for interviews in May and June 2023, where he admitted withholding information. However, what he did disclose was contradictory.
Court Slams Akhtar as “Serious Matter”
The magistrates fined Akhtar £666, added a victim surcharge of £266, and slapped on court costs of £2,932.50 – a £3,864.50 total penalty.
“Mr Akhtar, it is a serious matter when you fail to provide information to resolve an investigation when requested to do so. You have been given extensions allowing you the opportunity to provide this information; however, you still never met the request to provide this information,” the bench said.
SIA Issues Stark Warning to Industry
Nicola Bolton, the SIA’s criminal investigations manager, underlined the damage caused by Akhtar’s actions:
“Ahsin Akhtar pleaded guilty to withholding information from the SIA. This is a serious matter as failing to provide information to the SIA can obstruct the course of a criminal investigation and hence put the safety of the public at risk.”
“Responding to a request for information by the SIA is a legal requirement. The SIA’s licensing regime exists to protect the public. Offenders like Akhtar need to be aware of the consequences of their illegal actions. Ahsin Akhtar now has a criminal record.”
This case sends a clear message to the security sector: comply with the rules or face the full force of the law.
