Money laundering investigation opened
28 Ebrill, 2014 | Eitemau newyddion
The Director of the SFO has opened a criminal investigation into possible money laundering arising from suspicions of corruption in Ukraine. The SFO has obtained a restraint order freezing approximately $23m of assets in the UK in connection with this case. For reasons of confidentiality we cannot say more at this time.
Notes for editors:
- The $23 million of assets has been placed under restraint using the Proceeds of Crime Act.
- The UK is hosting the Ukrainian Forum on Asset Recovery at Lancaster House on 29-30 April in conjunction with the US and Ukraine. In addition and separate to the $23 million in assets that have been placed under restraint by the SFO, an EU-wide asset freeze against 22 individuals suspected of misappropriating Ukrainian state assets has been approved and has come into force across the EU.
- The strict liability rule in the Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies.