Christopher Gaunt (59) and his son Jordan Gaunt (27), both from Holmfirth, have been hit with substantial confiscation orders totaling more than £220,000 after a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Leeds Crown Court on July 7.
The Economic Crime Unit secured the repayment of their illegal earnings linked to a large-scale counterfeit currency operation.
Both men pleaded guilty in 2022 to producing fake banknotes with the intent to pass them off as genuine currency. This followed a joint investigation by West Yorkshire Police and the National Counterfeit Currency Unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Christopher Gaunt received a prison sentence of six and a half years last December for counterfeiting offences and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Jordan Gaunt was given a two-year suspended sentence for his involvement in the scam.
At the hearing on July 7, the court determined that Christopher had gained £217,390.47 from the counterfeit scheme and must repay this amount in full. Jordan was found to have benefited by £6,114.14 and was ordered to pay £3,840.32, which is the amount he can afford.
Both men have until October 6, 2023, to make these payments or face the possibility of more severe custodial sentences.
Police investigations began in 2020 after the NCA identified counterfeit banknotes circulating in the Kirklees area. The forged notes included both English and Scottish currency.
Christopher was arrested on October 8, 2020. Following his arrest, officers discovered approximately £200,000 in counterfeit old-style notes and printing equipment at his home on Bank Street, along with a cannabis cultivation setup. A search of another property in Scissett uncovered additional printing machinery and dyes.
Authorities believe the counterfeit money was intended for sale within the criminal underworld to finance further illegal activities.
Chief Inspector Lee Townley of the Economic Crime Unit said: “We welcome the substantial joint confiscation imposed on these men by the courts, which ensures they have to pay back every available penny of the money they made from crime.”
He added, “They masterminded a substantial counterfeit currency ring. We believe the ‘cash’ they created was being used to fund crime in communities, so it is a good thing for residents that this supply chain has been broken.”
Chief Inspector Townley continued, “The Proceeds of Crime Act exists to stop criminals profiting from their ill-gotten gains. Our financial investigators work hard to use this legislation effectively in West Yorkshire.”
“Cash seized from these men will be reinvested in policing and good causes, ensuring some good comes from activities that only caused misery.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
