Jeffrey Bevan, 50, and wife Samantha (pictued outside court today), 52, allegedly managed to transfer the money from the official Bermudan government account to their own
A husband and wife laundered £2.5million from the Bermudan government to fund their luxury lifestyle complete with cars and additional homes.
Jeffrey Bevan, 50, and wife Samantha, 52, allegedly managed to transfer the money from the official Bermudan government account to their own.
They used the cash to buy Mercedes cars and properties in Newport, Swansea, Glasgow and Nottingham between March 2011 and February 2014, the court heard.
The married couple, Mr Bevan an accountant and his wife a former headteacher, are also accused of using money to pay off their mortgage.
Their friend Joel Ismail, 42, and financial advisor Paul Charity, 52, are also in the dock accused of taking part in the fraud.
A jury was sworn in today at Cardiff Crown Court with the trial, which could last up to eight weeks, is expected to start tomorrow.
Judge Michael Fitton QC said: ‘This case involves allegations of fraud arising from work for the Bermuda Government and the purchase of properties, not just in South Wales but elsewhere.’
Their friend Joel Ismail (pictured left), 42, and financial advisor Paul Charity (right), 52, are also in the dock accused of taking part in the fraud
The couple were arrested following a four-year international police investigation, involving the Bermuda Police Service and Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Mr and Mrs Bevan, of Cwmbran, near Newport, south Wales, collectively deny thirteen counts of converting criminal property and three counts of transferring criminal property.
Ismail and Charity, both of Leicester, deny converting criminal property.
Charity also denies perverting the course of justice after allegedly deleting emails to hide them from investigating police officers.
All four were granted bail. The hearing continues.
The couple were arrested following a four-year international police investigation, involving the Bermuda (island pictured) Police Service and Regional Organised Crime Unit
Pictured: The idyllic North Atlantic island of Bermuda, where the couple are accused of laundering money from
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