Alleged crime boss agrees to give up Leeds homes

In civil proceedings, the National Crime Agency (NCA) alleged Peter Grubisic, 59, from Ilkley, had been involved in serious criminality since the 1990s.

They alleged in papers to the High Court that this included the supply of drugs, money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.And they further alleged that Grubisic had links to serious organised criminals in the UK and overseas, including in the Netherlands and Spain.

The NCA asserted that Grubisic used his car dealership and property development businesses to launder proceeds.

They said his declared income was not sufficient to fund his property purchases and luxury lifestyle, which included several business-class flights to South America.

Throughout the proceedings Mr Grubisic made no admissions in respect of the allegations that his properties were acquired via the proceeds of crime.

This is something that Mr Grubisic has continued to vehemently deny.

The NCA’s claim against Mr Grubisic did not reach the High Court for trial because both parties agreed a settlement.

The £1.14m settlement agreed between the parties involved the NCA receiving five buy to let properties in Leeds, including properties on Beulah Grove, Kendall Bank and Holborn Street.

The NCA also received a property in Spain, a property with a development opportunity comprising a site for eight dwellings and the proceeds a sale relating to another property totalling £249,241.

Following the case, Rob Burgess, Head of Civil Recovery at the NCA, said: “Taking the alleged proceeds of crime off individuals such as Grubisic can have a significant impact for the local area.

"Through this work we have sent a clear message to the community that we will vigorously pursue individuals whom we believe to have benefitted from the proceeds of crime.”