Ex-MEP on money laundering charge - The Solihull Observer

Ex-MEP on money laundering charge

Solihull Editorial 24th Jul, 2014 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

FORMER MEP Nikki Sinclaire has been charged with money laundering and misconduct in public office.

Ms Sinclaire will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on September 17 where she will hear claims that she made false and dishonest submissions for travelling expenses and transferred the proceeds of fraud through a bank account in her name.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1 October 2009 and 31 July 2010 when Ms Sinclaire was a serving Member of the European Parliament.

The 45-year-old, of Velsheda Road in Shirley, was originally arrested on 22 February 2012 and has since been on police bail.




Three other members of the public were also arrested but will face no further action.

Throughout the investigation West Midlands Police has been working jointly with officers from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).


Simon Orme, Specialist Lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said the CPS authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Nicole Sinclaire with the offences of money laundering and misconduct in public office.

He added: “The decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“We have determined that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

“Criminal proceedings have now commenced and Ms Sinclaire has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

In a statement released after charges were brought against her Ms Sinclaire said: “I am disappointed that the police have chosen to charge me with the above offences without questioning me on them, after a two and a half year investigation.

“The charges relate to my time as a UKIP MEP when I was under the guidance and oversight by the Party in the Parliament. This will prove pivotal in resolving the matter.

“During my time as an MEP I put in more than £120,000 of my salary into the cost of my work activities.

“It was also me, who in 2010, drew the attention of the West Midlands Police, to irregularities I discovered had taken place, without my knowledge, in my UKIP office.

“I strongly refute these charges and will be firmly defending myself. I am certain I shall be found innocent of these ludicrous and unfounded accusations.”

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