TikTok Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob & Accountant Nabeel Afzal Charged with Money Laundering

Birmingham lawyer and aspiring politician Akhmed Yakoob has been charged with serious money laundering offences. The charges were announced today, Wednesday, by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Yakoob, 37, from Perry Barr, is known for his online catchphrase: “There’s a defence for every offence.” He is being charged alongside Nabeel Afzal, a 38-year-old accountant from Edgbaston.

According to the NCA, both men face three charges:

• Money laundering

• Encouraging money laundering

• Failing to follow legal checks when starting a business relationship (customer due diligence)

The offences are said to have happened between February 18, 2020, and January 8, 2021.

Both Yakoob and Afzal are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 17.

Background

Akhmed Yakoob became known on TikTok for sharing legal advice and content. He also ran in last year’s general election for the Ladywood constituency, but lost to Shabana Mahmood.

Earlier, Yakoob was also involved in a controversy where he shared a fake video online. It put a young teacher at risk. He later paid damages, which were reportedly in the thousands of pounds.

In January, he announced plans to launch a new political movement. His goal was to support young candidates and challenge the Labour Party in Birmingham City Council.

Official Statement

The NCA confirmed the charges and said: “A solicitor and an accountant have been charged with money laundering offences following a National Crime Agency investigation.”

They added that the case involved the failure to apply proper customer checks when starting business relationships — a legal requirement under UK law.