A former West Midlands Police superintendent and another individual have been charged in connection with a £720,000 investment fraud. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorized criminal proceedings against the pair following allegations that a woman transferred the sum believing she would receive a substantial return on her investment.
Charges and Defendants
Syed Hussain, 54, formerly a superintendent with West Midlands Police, has been charged with fraud and transferring criminal property. Hussain, from Barking, Essex, was previously dismissed from the force. Farah Ullah, 43, of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, faces charges of fraud and two counts of transferring criminal property.
The charges relate to alleged offending between November 2022 and April 2023. Both defendants are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 1.
CPS Statement
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, stated: “We have decided to prosecute Farah Ullah, 43, and Syed Hussain, 54, with fraud and transferring criminal property offences. The charges relate to alleged offending between November 2022 and April 2023. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.”
McHaffie added that the CPS worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service during the investigation. He reminded the public that the defendants have the right to a fair trial and urged against any reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
Background
The case came to light after a woman allegedly transferred £720,000 to the defendants, expecting a substantial return. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
