National Crime Agency seizes Hampshire hotel in money laundering investigation

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has seized the White Horse Hotel and Brasserie in Romsey, Hampshire, as part of a £6m asset haul against an alleged international money laundering group.

The NCA recovered the assets of three defendants and associated companies following an eight-year investigation into businessman Jonathan Nuttall, 46, of Romsey, Hampshire.

The alleged money laundering network is said to have seen hundreds of millions of pounds transferred through more than 100 bank accounts held globally including in the UK, Russia, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

Nuttall was alleged to have structured his wealth under the name of his wife, Amanda Nuttall, who had herself won more than £2.5m on the National Lottery in 2008.

The couple hired a private jet for a foreign trip, holidayed in Cannes and Dubai, shopped at Harrods and built a swimming pool at their country pad, according to the NCA.

Brrister Timothy Becker, 55 has forfeited assets after judge, the Hon Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, described the NCA investigation as exemplary.

Andy Lewis, head of asset denial at the NCA, said: "Jonathan Nuttall amassed considerable wealth as a result of his and others' unlawful conduct.

"He is not himself a party to the claim. That is because he structured his business affairs so that he didn't hold any of the recoverable property himself, leaving everything in the name of his wife and others.

"Recovering assets that have been illegally obtained is a priority for the NCA and we are pleased that our commitment to this investigation into Mr Nuttall and his associates has paid off in agreeing this settlement.

"The defendants were of high standing within their communities with interest in local properties and businesses. Crime most certainly has not paid in this case."