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In late 2008 Devonshires Partner, Philip Barden, was commissioned to investigate various allegations against housing association Ujima.
After identifying several suspicious transactions and using High Court Orders to secretly access bank accounts, Philip discovered that George Avwunu (who has since disappeared) was using false invoices to siphon monies from Ujima to Dr Paul Campayne and to George’s wife Rose Avwunu. The allegations were denied by both Paul Campayne and Rose Avwunu.
On 28 January 2011, Paul Campayne was convicted of seven counts of money laundering and has received a two and a half year term of imprisonment. The jury was unable to reach a decision on Rose Avwunu and the jury was discharged. There will be a further hearing on 9 February 2011 to decide whether she is to face a retrial.
Philip gave evidence in the criminal proceedings at Isleworth Crown Court. He commented, “Any association can be attacked by fraud. It is widely reported that fraud is increasing and the new regulatory environment may not detect it. It is important to remain vigilant and when you feel something is not right to conduct an investigation. In this case, being able to access bank accounts and prove the money laundering had taken place, was central to both the civil and criminal proceedings.”.
Devonshires are a leading regulatory and fraud investigations firm.
