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VIDEO: Directors of Leeds firm arrested in crime cash probe
Three ex-directors of a former Leeds catering firm have been arrested as part of an investigation looking into proceeds of crime.
Andrew Haworth, 45, a former director of Duchy Catering Ltd, which had a regional office at the Merrion Centre, Leeds, and two other former directors of the same company, Mike Lee and David Gooch, 47 were arrested yesterday.
Mr Haworth was a rrested at his stone detached house in Birchdale, Bingley. Mr Lee is believed to have been detained at his home also in Bingley and Mr Gooch at his home in Liverpool.
Detectives were seen taking away bags of documents and business papers as part of the swoop at Mr Haworth's address.
The three arrests follow the launch of a week-long operation by West Yorkshire Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mr Haworth and another man were originally 50 per cent shareholders in the business which provided school dinners as well as other catering services.
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Both men later sold shares to two other men before the company was finally sold in early spring of last year to Duchy Holdings Ltd, for a nominal 1. Duchy Holdings Ltd, was later bought by contract caterers Graysons Restaurants.
Officers from the City and Holbeck, North East Leeds and North West Leeds divisions are part of the county-wide operation.
Alongside inquiries into those arrested under the Proceeds of Crime Act dedicated investigators will now carry out inquiries to determine whether or not their assets have been earned or paid for legitimately.
If it is found that they were not, or were used as part of criminal activity, an application will be made to the courts to seize the assets as used in crime. Those involved could be ordered to pay back any shortfall in the value of such goods.
This week's operation coincides with the launch of the Why Should They? campaign, which encourages members of the community to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information regarding people who live off crime or visit www.whyshouldthey.com.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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