In a significant development, the UK court has ordered Bhadresh Gohil, an Indian-origin lawyer, to pay more than £28 million in costs associated with criminal activity related to a corruption case involving his client, James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, Nigeria.
Bhadresh Gohil, 58, was previously found guilty of fraud and money laundering in connection with the allegations of corruption against James Ibori. In 2010, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for these crimes.
After drawn-out confiscation proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service determined that Gohil benefited to the tune of £42.4 million from his criminal activities. The court has now ordered him to pay £28.2 million as a Confiscation Order or serve an additional six years in prison.
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor in the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, highlighted the significance of the case in tackling international illicit finance and corruption. He emphasized the dedication of the team and the National Crime Agency, which led to the uncovering of the full extent of the corruption.
The corruption case involving James Ibori revealed his involvement in stealing money while serving as Delta State’s governor, using it to fund a luxurious lifestyle that included acquiring properties in Texas, London, and Washington, DC, along with expensive vehicles.
Last Friday, the judge concluded the case, finding that Ibori had routinely stolen millions of pounds from the state and its citizens. The court issued an order requiring him to pay over £101 million or face an additional eight years in prison.
During Ibori’s time as Delta State’s governor, the Metropolitan Police investigated allegations of corruption and money laundering, with a particular focus on the fraudulent sale and purchase of shares in Ibori’s mobile phone company, “V Mobile,” by Delta and Akwa Ibom states.
The case exposed a sophisticated money laundering scheme involving Gohil, who helped Ibori hide his criminal proceeds and defraud the people of Delta State through offshore companies, bank accounts, and UK-based entities.
James Ibori, after serving a 13-year prison term, has since returned to Nigeria. The Confiscation Orders issued in the case are expected to facilitate the return of funds to the people of Nigeria.
