Elie Taktouk, a businessman who descended into a life of crime after his wife left him for football star Cesc Fabregas, has successfully appealed a £4.5 million confiscation order.
Taktouk's crimes involved defrauding property investors of their money, which he used to pay for his legal fees, rent, children's school fees, and a Porsche. He was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to seven years in prison.
In November 2023, Taktouk was issued a £4.5 million confiscation order, stripping him of the proceeds of his crime. However, he appealed the order, arguing that he was not the multi-millionaire the confiscation judge believed him to be.
New evidence from Taktouk's brother, Dr Wassim Taktouk, revealed that Elie Taktouk had been cut out of their father's will and had no access to family wealth. This evidence led the Court of Appeal to quash the confiscation order and send the case back to be reconsidered.
Taktouk's crimes were connected to the purchase and planned redevelopment of a £7.5 million apartment in London. He used forged documents and faked invoices to mislead investors about the project, resulting in their loss of £2.5 million.
The Court of Appeal acknowledged that Taktouk had committed serious crimes but found that the confiscation order was based on an inaccurate assessment of his financial situation. The case will now be reconsidered in light of the new evidence.
11 Comments
KittyKat
The focus should be on recovering the investors' losses, not unfairly punishing Taktouk based on assumptions. Hopefully, the reconsidered case will achieve this.
BuggaBoom
While the court acknowledged the inaccurate assessment of his finances, it's important to remember that Taktouk still committed a crime and needs to be held responsible.
KittyKat
Justice needs to be served. Even if he wasn't a multi-millionaire, Taktouk still needs to be held accountable for his actions and compensate the victims.
Loubianka
While I don't condone Taktouk's actions, I believe in redemption. He served his time and deserves a chance to rebuild his life without the burden of an unfair financial penalty.
KittyKat
Family wealth shouldn't automatically translate to personal wealth. Good on Taktouk's brother for providing crucial evidence & helping clear his name.
Loubianka
The justice system needs to strike a balance between ensuring a fair trial and holding criminals accountable for their actions. Hopefully, the reconsidered case will achieve this balance.
Cerebro
The justice system should be based on facts, not assumptions. This case shows the importance of thorough investigation and accurate assessment before imposing harsh punishments.
Karamba
Justice shouldn't be based on assumptions, but neither should it be swayed by family loyalty. Taktouk needs to face the consequences of his actions, regardless of his brother's testimony.
Loubianka
While the court acknowledged his crimes, it's important to remember that he caused real damage to people's lives. He should still be held accountable for that.
Eugene Alta
Justice delayed is justice denied. Hopefully, the reconsidered case will be swift and will provide the investors with the compensation they deserve.
Sammmm
The legal system can be complex and sometimes unfair. Glad to see Taktouk's appeal succeeded and that he'll have a chance to clear his name properly.