Police suspect second fraud case at Ujima

Richard Milne, QC, told a court hearing last Friday that there was ‘likely to be another larger fraud case arising out of Ujima’.

He was speaking as two suspects in the first case - unconnected to the second probe - pleaded not guilty to nine counts of money laundering.

Rose Avwunu, 53, of Purley, Surrey and consultant Paul Campagne, 46, of Coulsdon, Surrey, were both charged with money laundering at the end of September.

They appeared before Southwark Crown Court in a plea and case management hearing.

They are suspected of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which are alleged to have taken place in 2007 and concern a number of transfers amounting to £200,000 from the housing association.

Detectives are attempting to trace a third man, also from Surrey, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud Ujima.

The pair were granted unconditional bail and ordered to stand trial on 17 January 2011 at Southwark Crown Court.

No arrests have been made in connection with any possible second fraud.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘We are continuing our investigation into the Ujima housing association case.’

Ujima’s 30-year history ended in January 2008 when its £1 billion assets were transferred to London & Quadrant Housing Trust.

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