Halifax woman hit with big fine after admitting to fraudulently obtaining houses and money laundering

A Halifax woman has been ordered to repay over £80,000 after admitting to fraudulently obtaining three houses and money laundering.
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire Mark Burns-Williamson.Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire Mark Burns-Williamson.
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire Mark Burns-Williamson.

Sheed Raj, 33, of Highfield Terrace, was also sentenced to 19 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

On Friday, April 11, Raj was ordered to repay a total of £83,552.86 or go to prison for the 19 months at a confiscation hearing at Bradford Crown Court.

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Speaking after the hearing, investigation officer Detective Inspector Gary Stephenson said: “We very much welcome this significant confiscation which shows that we will continue to pursue those who benefit from their criminal activities, even after the judge has passed sentence.

“Raj now needs to find this money quickly or go to prison. The money can then be put back into community initiatives and policing projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Calderdale’s communities.

“In the past year the award-winning Calderdale POCA team has confiscated a total of £620,664 which is a fantastic testament to their hard work and dogged determination.”

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “Once again we have seen a substantial sum of money ordered to be repaid under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) following the excellent work of West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors.

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“I am, however; campaigning to see all this money returned to West Yorkshire, as half is currently recouped centrally by Government.

“If we retain all these criminal assets, it could double the cash available through The Safer Communities Fund which benefits local charities, community groups and organisations in the county.

“Already we have received over 200 applicants for the first round of bids and really underlines the demand that exists here.

“I would encourage people to sign my petition to give all POCA cash back to the communities affected by crime by visiting my website or following the link: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/52046”