Mohamad Al-Baghdadi has hidden Assets Confiscated
On 8th June 2006 following almost 4 days of contested confiscation hearing at Middlesex Guildhall, Mohamad Al-Baghdadi had his criminal benefit determined as £75,470 and a Confiscation Order made in the same amount. He was given 28 days to pay and 21 months in default if he doesn’t pay.
Al-Baghdadi pleaded guilty in May 2005 to 2 counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine and 1 count of possession with intent to supply cannabis. The case was referred to London RART by Paddington Crime Squad who dealt with the criminal prosecution.
Al-Baghdadi’s Confiscation Order included cash of £170 and £596.89 in bank accounts plus hidden assets. The hidden assets was his share of the proceeds from the sale of the Doha White Palace in Beirut, Lebanon, in July 2003 for USD 3.75 million, which was sold to the Ambassador to Egypt.
The benefit figure was calculated by using Office of National Statistics figures for average expenditure for a single man for the period of 6 years, less the time spent as an asylum seeker on allowances and free accommodation. The balance was the estimated value of the cost to buy the drugs found in his possession.
HHJ Chapple who heard the case thanked the London RART officer for his thorough preparation and presentation, and for his additional assistance to the Court throughout the hearing.