Father and Son Hit Hard with £220k Cash Confiscation for Fake Note Scam
Christopher (59) and Jordan Gaunt (27) from Holmfirth have been slammed with hefty confiscation orders after a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Leeds Crown Court on July 7. The Economic Crime Unit forced the pair to pay back their dirty earnings from a large-scale counterfeit currency racket.
Guilty Pleas and Jail Time
The Gaunts both admitted guilt in 2022 to making fake cash with the intent to pass it off as genuine. This followed a joint probe by West Yorkshire Police and the National Counterfeit Currency Unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Christopher got a hefty six-and-a-half-year prison term last December for counterfeiting and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Jordan walked away with a two-year suspended sentence for his role.
Over £220,000 Reclaimed by Authorities
At Friday’s hearing, the court ruled Christopher pocketed £217,390.47 from the crime. He must repay this in full. Jordan, found to have benefited by £6,114.14, was ordered to cough up £3,840.32 — the amount he can afford.
Both men have until October 6, 2023, to pay up or risk tougher jail terms.
Fake Notes, Cannabis Factory and Crime Gang Links
Police investigations kicked off in 2020 after NCA enquiries flagged fake banknotes circulating in Kirklees. The forged notes included both English and Scottish currency.
Christopher was arrested on October 8, 2020. Following his arrest, officers found around £200,000 in counterfeit old-style notes and production gear at his Bank Street home, along with a cannabis factory. A search of another property in Scissett uncovered more printing equipment and dyes.
Officials believe the fake money was set for sale within the criminal underworld to fund further illegal acts.
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.
“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.”
He added, “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.”
