Akhmed Yakoob pleads not guilty to laundering charges as NCA probe targets millions in alleged cash crime
Akhmed Yakoob, a solicitor and former political candidate in the West Midlands, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, accused of helping to launder millions in criminal cash.
The 37-year-old from Aldridge, who recently stood for election in both the West Midlands mayoral race and the 2024 general election, pleaded not guilty to charges that include money laundering, encouraging others to launder money, and failing to follow due diligence checks when entering business relationships.
Alongside him in the dock was 38-year-old accountant Nabeel Afzal, from Birmingham, who also denied all charges. The pair are accused of facilitating transactions “for people that wanted help to launder cash of millions of pounds,” the court was told.
The charges stem from an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which claims the alleged offences took place between 18 February 2020 and 8 January 2021. Both men face serious penalties if convicted, with potential prison sentences of up to 14 years.
Wearing a black suit and tie, Yakoob stood calmly outside the courthouse after the hearing, insisting on his innocence. He has long positioned himself as a legal advocate for the underrepresented and has represented high-profile clients, including two brothers involved in a heated confrontation with Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport in July 2024.
Yakoob rose to public prominence through his political activism and community campaigning. In the most recent general election, he contested Birmingham Ladywood, running as an independent against Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. He came second, securing an impressive 12,137 votes to Mahmood’s 15,558. Just weeks earlier, he came third in the West Midlands mayoral election, gaining 69,621 votes and outperforming expectations.
But now, his future hangs in the balance.
Embed from Getty ImagesProsecutors allege that Yakoob and Afzal sidestepped legal safeguards meant to prevent financial crime, including failing to properly verify the identities and financial backgrounds of clients during high-value transactions. Such checks are legally required under anti-money laundering laws to deter the movement of illicit funds.
While no specific figures were disclosed in court, officials familiar with the case say the suspected laundering operation involved “millions of pounds.”
The case has rattled some in the West Midlands legal and political circles, where Yakoob was once seen as a rising figure willing to challenge the establishment. His campaign videos often featured slogans about justice, community, and government accountability.
Both Yakoob and Afzal were granted unconditional bail. They are due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 15 July, where a full hearing is expected to determine how the case will proceed.
Despite the legal cloud, Yakoob has remained vocal on social media, insisting on his innocence and framing the charges as part of a broader attempt to discredit him. His supporters argue that he is being targeted because of his growing popularity and his confrontational stance toward authority.
Meanwhile, the NCA has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
As the trial date approaches, attention is likely to intensify—not only due to the severity of the allegations but also because of the political dimensions of Yakoob’s public life.
For now, the West Midlands solicitor-turned-candidate finds himself navigating a courtroom instead of the campaign trail.
