Money Launderer Shackled With New Prison Stint for SCPO Breach
Shafiq Ahmed, 59, of Streatham, London, has been handed a one-year jail term at Kingston Crown Court for flouting his Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO). Alongside this, tougher SCPO terms were slapped on him, forcing Ahmed to surrender a phone and two SIM cards.
Criminal Past Catches Up Again
Ahmed’s troubles date back to June 2013 when he was jailed for masterminding a massive criminal network laundering millions from Tooting. The National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation landed him eight years in prison at Blackfriars Crown Court. He served half that before being released on licence in July 2017.
Back in 2014, the court hit Ahmed with a hefty confiscation order demanding he pay £829,427 earned from his illegal gains. Plus, he was slapped with an SCPO designed to lock him out of crime for good.
Serious Crime Prevention Order Ignored
The SCPO put strict limits on Ahmed: fewer bank accounts, restricted cash holdings, limited phones and computers, and mandatory reporting of any business or property dealings to the NCA.
But Ahmed repeatedly broke these rules by hiding assets and failing to declare his interests.
Police Raid Uncovers Hidden Empire
- On 5 August, NCA officers raided Ahmed’s home.
- They seized a mobile phone, SIM cards, cash, and paperwork on undeclared accounts, businesses, and properties.
- Investigators found Ahmed had access to over 15 bank accounts—two opened after his release—and undeclared shares in multiple companies and properties.
Ahmed denied wrongdoing, blaming his daughter for the phones and keys found. He also dismissed his criminal past and the role of money laundering in fuelling organised crime.
Alison Abbott, from the NCA’s lifetime management team, said: “Money laundering drives serious and organised crime, and the seriousness of Shah’s offending made it vital that he was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order when leaving prison.
“Shah tried to pull the wool over our eyes, claiming no formal employment or income. Our investigation showed he repeatedly breached his order.
“We will use all tools available, like SCPOs, to disrupt serious and organised crime.”
What Is a Serious Crime Prevention Order?
SCPOs are civil orders aimed at stopping serious offenders from lifelong criminal careers. They restrict access to bank accounts, communication devices, and business involvement to disrupt organised crime pathways.
