Shakeel Afsar, a prominent political activist and property developer, has confirmed he is under police investigation for an alleged blackmail linked to a dispute over an unpaid legal bill. He was arrested by West Midlands Police in March and is currently on bail pending further inquiries. Afsar 'absolutely and categorically' denies any criminal wrongdoing.
The allegation is connected to unpaid legal fees incurred during anti-LGBT education protests that Afsar led against Anderton Park Primary School in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, in 2019. Despite a county court order in February requiring him to pay over £20,000 to Safaz Legal, a Birmingham law firm, Afsar has not yet settled the debt. Court documents reveal that Birmingham County Court ruled against Afsar and his sister Rosina, ordering them to pay legal fees of £20,852 and costs of £10,779. Bankruptcy proceedings have also been initiated against them by the law firm due to non-payment.
Afsar's Response to Legal Bill
In an interview, Afsar explained that during the 2019 protests, which aimed to 'protect children of Abrahamic faiths from indoctrination' about LGBT equality, a local solicitor offered to represent them. However, the relationship with Safaz Legal later ended, and new legal counsel was sought. Afsar stated he refused to pay the bill because he questioned its validity and was dissatisfied with the advice received.
At the time of the protests, which gained international attention, a GoFundMe campaign raised £16,000 to cover legal fees, but Afsar noted that this only covered a small portion of the costs. A second appeal raised £9,000 to fight a high court injunction from Birmingham City Council, but the platform shut it down amid complaints, and all funds were returned. Afsar dismissed rumors of raising 'up to £1 million' and allegations of misusing donated money as attempts to discredit him.
Property Licensing Fine
Afsar also confirmed that he was recently fined by Birmingham magistrates for failing to pay property licensing fees exceeding £18,000 to Birmingham City Council for 27 rental properties. Under a selective licensing scheme launched in 2023, landlords in deprived wards must pay a £700 fee per property for inspections. Afsar admitted he failed to pay for all 27 properties and ignored subsequent demands, leading to prosecution. He described it as a 'mistake' that has now been rectified, stating that all his properties are fully compliant.
Afsar, who owns over 100 properties, denied being in financial trouble and claimed he is being targeted. 'Shakeel does not bend or bow to anybody. I have no problem with paying my dues but I will not pay them under duress,' he said.
Political Context
Afsar is a de facto co-leader of the Independent Candidate Alliance, a group fielding candidates in the Birmingham City Council elections. His fellow co-leader, Akhmed Yakoob, is separately on bail pending trial for money laundering charges, which he denies. Afsar questioned why the information about his arrest emerged just before the elections.
West Midlands Police stated: 'A man aged 38 was arrested in March on suspicion of blackmail. The man was bailed with conditions while enquiries continue.' Faraz Ijaz, litigation executive for Safaz Legal, said: 'Legal proceedings are ongoing and we will respond fully once we are able to at the conclusion of those proceedings.'
