The Money That Cost Too Much – Unexplained Wealth Orders (Update)

The target of the UK's first unexplained wealth order (UWO) has been made public after reporting restrictions expired last week.  Mrs Zamira Hajiyeva will now be required to provide the National Crime Agency with proof of the legitimacy of funds used to purchase two properties worth £22 million, a property in Knightsbridge and a golf course near Ascot.

Mrs Hajiyeva was identified as the wife of Jahangir Hajiyeva, a retired chairman of the International Bank of Azerbaijan. Mr Hajiyeva is currently serving a 15-year sentence in Baku after being convicted of a number of offences, including embezzlement, abuse of office, and fraud. In addition to his imprisonment, Mr Hajiyeva has had to pay penalties totaling approximately £30 million.