Confiscation Order granted against convicted money launderer

16 June 2010

The Serious Organised Crime Agency has been granted a Confiscation Order for £213,644.97 against a convicted money launderer (16th June 2010).

If he fails to meet the order he will be sent to prison for 30 months and assets including a detached house in Wakefield; an apartment in Gran Canaria and a Land Rover Discovery will be confiscated.

Leslie Crowcroft, 51, was arrested with a Dutch national, Johnny Schouten, in Wakefield in January 2008 on suspicion of money laundering.

During subsequent searches of Crowcroft’s home and Schouten’s hotel room, SOCA seized a 4x4 vehicle and £41,055 cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Forensic analysis showed that the money seized from Schouten’s room was contaminated with cocaine.

In April 2008 Schouten pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to 21 months. He was subject to a Forfeiture Order in July 2009 to the value of £26,945.

In March 2009 Crowcroft pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.

In addition to the Confiscation Order Crowcroft was also subject to a Forfeiture Order to the value of £14,110 in September 2009 in respect of cash found at his home.

Read more about the threat from Money Laundering