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Prosecuting Organised Crime

Drug trafficking, people trafficking, use of firearms, money laundering, internet crime, fraud, serious robbery and organised vehicle crime at home and internationally, are all dealt with by the Organised Crime Division. A specialist team of experienced prosecutors, the Organised Crime Division work closely with the police and international law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.

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Home » News Centre » Press Statements » 'Industrial' money launderers sentenced

'Industrial' money launderers sentenced

04/02/2013

Three family members have today been sentenced at the Old Bailey for money laundering offences.

Annie Conway, specialist prosecutor for the CPS Organised Crime Division, said:

"Ussama El Kurd was laundering criminals' money on a truly industrial scale. He made a considerable living 'cleaning' dirty money and helping organised criminals go undetected.

"With the help of his wife and son, El Kurd ran what appeared to be an inconspicuous money exchange shop on Kensington Church Street in Central London. But the shop was a magnet for criminals who changed up to £150 million into Euros before spiriting it away.

"Legitimate businesses are expected to keep proper records but the El Kurds showed a blatant disregard for these regulations, as well as lying to their banks, HM Revenue & Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

"Today's sentencing stops not just these three criminals, but all those who relied on the El Kurds to enjoy a criminal lifestyle." 

Background:

On 15 November 2012, Randa El-Kurd and Hussam El Kurd pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court. Hussam pleaded to one count contrary to section 330 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Randa pleaded to one count of Breach of Money Laundering Regulations 2007. They were each sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment and disqualified from being company directors.

On 2 October 2012, Ussama El Kurd pleaded to a conspiracy to launder contrary to section 327 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director, given a Serious Crime Prevention Order and a Financial Reporting Order.

Ussama El Kurd was the Company Secretary of Kensington Money Exchange. The prosecution's case was that he was the driving force behind the business.

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