11:50am Monday 24th January 2011

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/8807382.Money_launder_couple_told_to_fork_out___170_000/

A Bradford couple have been threatened with jail if they do not stump up more than £170,000 deemed to be ill-gotten gains.

Anthony Davey, 38, used mortgage frauds to finance a criminal lifestyle, which included mansions and flash cars.

He also involved his wife Alison in the deceptions and money laundering.

The pair pleaded guilty in August 2009 to a range of offences, including money laundering.

Anthony Davey was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Mother-of-three Alison Davey was given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid community work.

A judge at Bradford Crown Court has now granted a confiscation order against the couple.

Anthony Davey, who had benefited by more than £1 million, was ordered by Judge Jonathan Durham Hall to pay the recoverable available amount of £72,118 within six months.

If he does not pay he is liable to be imprisoned in default for 18 months.

His 38-year-old wife benefited by more than £175,000 and was ordered to pay £102,642 as the available amount to be recovered. She was also given six months to pay, with 12 months imprisonment in default.

The pair had several accounts with Barclays bank, where Alison Davey had worked, and regular considerable payments were made into them which did not appear to have a legitimate source.

The prosecution said Davey gave false details about his employment and earnings to his broker to get mortgages on properties. The last house involved was a substantial property in East Yorkshire with a purchase price of £540,000. He also bought a series of vehicles, including two Mercedes-Benz cars.

Detective Inspector Mark Long, of Bradford South Police, said: “This was a significant confiscation ranging from country mansions to expensive vehicles.

“As we continue to stress, if people engage themselves in crime centred on acquiring assets, the Bradford South Proceeds of Crime Team will proactively clamp down upon them.

“Those who use the proceeds of crime to lead their lives cause only stress for their victims and are in themselves negative community figures. Through undertaking our operations, we are able to take away their ill-gotten gains.

“This followed a significant amount of work by financial investigators who have been able to identify assets that the Daveys possess.

“Together, this totals in excess of £170,000. They both face a default sentence if they do not pay back the money within six months.

“I would call on members of the public to come forward and help the police to put a stop to those benefiting from the proceeds of crime by contacting 0800 555111.”