Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob charged with Money Laundering

Akhmed Yakoob, a Birmingham lawyer and former parliamentary candidate, has been charged with money laundering offences.

Yakoob is known for his catchphrase “there’s a defence for every offence”. He has been charged alongside accountant Nabeel Afzal, of Edgbaston.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the charges on May 21, 2025.

A spokesperson for the NCA said: “A solicitor and an accountant have been charged with money laundering offences following a National Crime Agency investigation.

“Solicitor Akhmed Yakoob, 37, and accountant Nabeel Afzal, 38, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 17 June to each face three criminal charges.

“Yakoob, of Perry Barr, and Azfal, of Edgbaston, both Birmingham, are accused of money laundering; encouraging money laundering; and contravening a requirement to apply customer due diligence measures when establishing a business relationship.

“The offences are alleged to have been committed between 18 February 2020 and 08 January 2021.”

The charges follow a period of rising public attention for Akhmed Yakoob, who contested the Ladywood seat in the July 2024 General Election. He lost to Labour’s Shabana Mahmood.

Yakoob previously made headlines after paying damages to a young teacher, reportedly in the thousands.

He had shared a video that falsely claimed the teacher had used racist language.

The incident resulted in the teacher receiving hate mail. abuse and threats. She also feared for her job and future, with people trying to “hunt her down”.

Yakoob issued an apology and admitted it was a “mistake” but said it would not deter him from standing for public office in future.

He said: “I fully intend to stand again and am in discussions about a new political movement in the West Midlands.

“I have apologised and she has accepted my apology and the settlement.”

In January 2025, Yakoob launched a new political initiative. He said the movement would focus on fielding young candidates and challenging Birmingham Labour councillors.

He claimed the new party aimed to “drive the Labour party out of power” in the city.

Yakoob also shared a video claiming he had been detained by counter-terror police near Calais.

He said he was questioned about his political beliefs.

As part of the inquiries, his phone and laptop were seized.

In relation to the money laundering charges, Yakoob and Afzal are due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 17.