NCA recovers property from former Lord Mayor of Leeds
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has secured a property on Sandmoor Drive in Leeds linked to money laundering investigations. The house was transferred to the NCA in 2020 as part of a £10 million civil recovery agreement with a businessman suspected of laundering. Mrs. Abigail Katung, a former Labour councillor and Lord Mayor of Leeds City Council, claimed an interest in the property after agreeing to buy it in 2015, paying approximately £400,000 of the £1 million price.
However, the High Court ruled in June 2025 that Katung held no legitimate interest or right to the home, which remained with the NCA. Court findings revealed that most of the funds used for her deposit were transferred through an informal system from Nigeria, raising suspicions. Katung’s evidence on the funds' origins was found lacking, and the judge expressed doubts about her reliability.
While there is no indication that Katung was aware of any alleged criminal activity, the case exposes the risks of illicit financial flows through informal channels. The ruling underlines the NCA’s ongoing efforts to reclaim assets connected to serious crime, reinforcing legal action against money laundering. This development impacts local governance credibility and highlights cross-border financial crime challenges.
The outcome also demonstrates the UK's strengthened legal framework for seizing assets tied to criminal activities, even when third parties attempt to assert claims. The ruling may deter future attempts to conceal illicit funds in legitimate property markets, helping safeguard the integrity of the UK’s financial system.
