The UK Government on Thursday says it has begun the processes that will lead to the confiscation of about $39 million from Bhadresh Gohil, one of the Lawyers to the convicted former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori.
A Reuters report on Thursday has it that British prosecutors have opened a legal process to attempt to confiscate about £30.8 million (about $39.3 million) from Mr Gohil who was reportedly a willing conduit in the theft of public funds.
Mr Gohil was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in 2010 on a 13-count-charge for money-laundering and related offences associated with his role in the crime.
He was named in the report as a partner in a London-based legal firm in the district of Mayfair, and reportedly assisted the convicted former governor to siphon stolen funds through shell companies and offshore accounts.
The bulk of the stolen funds were traced to transactions involving illicit acquisition of properties, including a London country house and a private jet valued at about $20 million.
The lawyer was accused of equally facilitating the fraudulent scheme through which about $37 million was stolen in phoney consultancy fees involving the V-mobile deal.
SOURCE: Reuters