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PRESS RELEASE : UK forces intercept Russian shadow fleet vessel for the first time in blow to Putin’s war chest [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 June 2026.

British forces this morning boarded a sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel in the latest blow to Russia’s war economy.
- British Armed Forces interdict Russian shadow fleet vessel in the early hours of this morning
- Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency board the ship in the channel, which will disrupt Putin’s war chest
- Vessel will now be held and monitored off the South Coast as investigations continue
In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency, despite Russia’s best efforts to evade sanctions and continue fuelling its barbaric war with Ukraine.

The military operation, which lasted 6 hours, was supported with aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat), an RAF P-8 aircraft, as well as HMS SUTHERLAND and HMS LEDBURY.

The Prime Minister agreed in March that British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers were able to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law.

The SMYRTOS will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.

The enforcement action against this vessel in UK territorial waters was carried out in accordance with domestic and international law.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said:

Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved.

Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.

The operation builds on recent support provided by the UK to its allies to interdict shadow fleet vessels, which included RAF and Royal Navy capabilities supporting US and French operations. Today’s operation was conducted in close coordination with the French.

By disrupting the shadow fleet, we and our international partners are directly bearing down on the resources sustaining Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and reducing its capacity to threaten security across Europe and beyond.

Responsible for carrying 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil, the shadow fleet of over 700 vessels provides a critical lifeline for the Kremlin, generating a war fund that supplies missiles and drones targeting innocent Ukrainian civilians and sustaining Russia’s illegal war.

The UK is a leader in tackling the shadow fleet, having already sanctioned over 500 vessels. And these sanctions are working, Russia’s oil and gas revenues fell by 24% year-on-year in 2025.

Today’s action sends a clear message to Russia that the UK will use the full range of legal tools available to enforce those sanctions and protect our security.

Background
- The UK has sanctioned almost 600 Russian shadow fleet vessels to date.
- Russia’s oil revenues are down 27% compared to October 2024, the lowest since the start of the war.
- In the first quarter of 2025, ships sanctioned by the UK carried $1.6 billion less in Russian oil than a year ago.
- Over 72% of shadow tankers are more than 15 years old. There have been over 50 incidents involving Russia’s shadow fleet.
- UNCLOS Article 110 permits a warship to exercise a right of visit to verify the flag where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the vessel is without nationality. Where a vessel is determined stateless, the UK can exercise powers available under its domestic legislation. Potential domestic powers include the ship-sanctions provisions in the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, criminal and maritime enforcement powers under the Policing and Crime Act 1979
14/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands of new jobs and more than £18 billion boost to British economy as Prime Minister meets Japanese leader [June 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 June 2026.

The UK and Japan are expected to agree investment creating tens of thousands of new jobs and more than £18 billion in economic gains, alongside a new partnership at the forefront of next-generation technologies.
- UK and Japan unlock significant inward investments totalling more than £9 billion in infrastructure and financial services and up to £9 billion in offshore wind.
- New technology partnership will accelerate cooperation on cutting-edge tech including AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing.
- Visit drives forward partnership with UK’s closest security partner in Asia, marking a step change in the UK–Japan relationship.
The UK and Japan are expected to agree investment creating tens of thousands of new jobs and more than £18 billion in economic gains, alongside a new partnership at the forefront of next-generation technologies.

Together the deals will back British industries across technology, clean energy, infrastructure development, and life sciences, supporting long-term growth across the country. These are sectors at the heart of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and building on a relationship with Japan already worth £140 billion.

The Prime Minister will welcome his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi to Downing Street today [Sunday] ahead of the G7 in Évian-les-Bains.

Japanese and British business leaders will join the two prime ministers for a roundtable discussion on future opportunities for economic growth where over ten commercial and government agreements are expected to be signed.

The visit delivers a major vote of confidence in the UK economy, with Japanese investors setting out a five-year investment pipeline worth more than £9 billion, expected to build new towns and provide high-quality office space and innovation hubs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

These landmark agreements will bring multibillion pound investment into the UK, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and driving new developments.

As G7 economies and close security partners, we are working together with Japan on some of the most innovative technology in the world, harnessing the best of British and Japanese research and industry to deliver growth and security to every corner of the United Kingdom.

At the heart of the visit will be a landmark Offshore Wind Compact, developed in close partnership with Great British Energy to unlock up to £9 billion in Japanese investment into the UK’s offshore wind sector.

It will support the development of 5.9GW of floating offshore wind projects in the UK, including the Ossian and Green Volt projects off the East Coast in Scotland alongside the Erebus project in the Celtic Sea.

These pioneering projects will support jobs across the country, and when built, generate enough clean electricity to power 8 million homes.

By boosting homegrown clean energy, the deal will help reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets, strengthen energy security, help get bills down for good, and makes the UK Japan’s leading clean energy partner in Europe.

Hitachi Energy UK is set to create at least 500 new jobs over the next five years, providing vital expansion of the UK grid and bringing clean power that delivers growth. This includes 100 highly skilled roles at Hitachi Energy’s newly opened Glasgow Centre of Excellence, and over £18 million investment in a purpose-built facility in Stafford.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce will deepen collaboration with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency signing a new agreement with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory to develop next generation nuclear technologies. And our national laboratories (UKAEA and QST) and leading private companies will deepen their collaboration on fusion energy.

Communities like Hatfield are set to benefit from the package of deals, where Japanese life science firm, Eisai, is set to invest £48 million. The investment will create a new packaging facility for its innovative dementia treatment, backed by government funding. 

The leaders are also expected to agree a new partnership to accelerate cooperation on the technologies of the future. The cutting-edge UK-Japan Frontier Tech Partnership (FTP), will see British research translated into scalable technology with Japanese investment, from AI and quantum, to civil nuclear and defence tech.

Building on momentum from London Tech Week, the FTP will deliver groundbreaking impact for the UK and Japan. This includes British firm ORCA Computing landing a landmark export deal – one of the first times a major corporation anywhere in the world has bought a quantum computer.

For the first time, a formal partnership between the UK Semiconductor Centre and Rapidus, Japan’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, creates a direct pathway for the UK semiconductor sector to manufacture cutting-edge chips used to power mobile phones, vehicles and modern devices.

During the meeting, the Prime Ministers are expected to confirm their shared commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, and discuss the launch of the next phase of the international programme, including through the international contract that will be signed by the end of the month.

A new Defence Capability and Industrial Council will foster greater industrial cooperation between the UK and Japan, accelerating the development of each other’s dual-use technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, helping UK defence firms access significant Japanese investment.
14/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Every child to get access to enriching activities to build skills and confidence for life [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 June 2026.

Children in every part of the country to get access to enriching activities to beat isolation online and build connections in the real world.
- New benchmarks to give every school and college the tools to offer high-quality enrichment across arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills
- £132.5 million ‘Every Child Can’ programme will fund activities within school and in communities at weekends and in the holidays, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all — not just those who can afford to pay
Every child, regardless of where they grow up or which school they attend, will benefit from enriching activities that build the skills, confidence and relationships they need for life and work thanks to government action announced today.

Greater access to opportunities in sport, creative activities, nature and the arts will be made available to children both in and out of school in order to halve the participation gap and reclaim childhood for all young people.

The drive to make sure all children are supported to develop new skills and explore their talents includes new benchmarks for schools and colleges published today. These will ensure schools and colleges have the practical tools and guidance to offer a wide range of opportunities across five categories: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including STEM, sport and physical activities. Leading figures within these categories will soon be announced as ambassadors using their influence and expertise to inspire participation, raise awareness and help drive support for enriching opportunities for young people.

Activities could include music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies, football clubs and much more. These clear benchmarks will work in partnership with civil society and help schools and colleges develop inclusive, engaging enrichment offers that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities.

Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of how it assesses personal development, and parents will be able to see their local school’s offer through new ‘school profiles’ – a one stop shop with key information on a school’s offering.

This complements the government’s wider reforms to bring the national curriculum into the modern day, break down barriers to opportunity and better prepare young people for life and work in today’s world and beyond.

‘Every Child Can’, funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, will deliver £132.5 million for new activities programmes delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision. It is structured around the same five categories as the Enrichment Framework, ensuring a consistent approach to building skills and confidence wherever young people engage and removing the postcode lottery that has held children in underserved parts of the country back.

It responds directly to the State of the Nation survey of more than 14,000 young people, which found that despite being the most digitally connected generation, young people today face some of the highest levels of isolation globally. They want safe spaces, trusted adults, better mental health support and greater access to enriching activities. However, access to these opportunities remains unequal, with too many children locked out because of where they live and what school or college they go to.

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said:

Every child should be able to enjoy sport and the creative arts, not just the lucky few.

Whether it’s performing on stage, playing sport, exploring nature or getting involved in their community, these experiences build confidence, spark ambition and help young people discover what they are capable of.

As the world around our children continues to move fast, investment is about making sure the childhood experiences we truly value can once again be for every young person, wherever they live.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Every child deserves the chance to find their spark through great art, sport, music, dance or drama, because arts and culture belong to all of us – not just a privileged few. A child who loves the arts shouldn’t have to be born into the right postcode to pursue it.

That is why we are rebuilding opportunity in the classroom and in communities and ensuring every young person has something to do, somewhere to go, and someone who cares through our National Youth Strategy: Youth Matters.

For too long we have underinvested in generation with appalling consequences. Every child should have the chance to live a richer, larger life and we will ensure they do.

This package forms part of the government’s commitment to restore lost childhood freedoms – investing in playgrounds, in music hubs, sports partnerships, youth services and youth spaces and support for families through measures including VAT relief on children’s activities this summer. 

With children growing up in an increasingly fast-changing world the package is designed to protect and nurture childhood, ensuring young people are equipped with skills and confidence to achieve and thrive.

Participating in enrichment activities has been associated with higher attainment and a stronger sense of school belonging and wellbeing among children and young people.

According to EPI research, children who attended sport clubs during secondary school were more likely to be in education or employment as young adults, while those who participated in hobbies, arts and music clubs were significantly more likely to progress to higher education.

Today’s announcement builds on the government’s work to ensure young people have access to enriching and cultural activities including:
- More than £500 million for an ambitious 10-year National Youth Strategy – co-designed with young people – to connect half a million more young people with a trusted adult outside their home and equip them with skills to boost their resilience and stay safe online.
- Over £1 billion of investment in school sport over the next three years, including the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will bring national sporting expertise into every primary and secondary school to tackle inactivity and ensure more young people have access to high-quality PE and sport. Alongside this, an additional £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities across the country
- £1.5 billion would be provided to cultural venues across England over the course of this parliament, including £27.5 million for public libraries to help them upgrade their buildings and technology to meet changing needs to better serve their communities.
- Inviting 400 schools in the most deprived areas of England to take part in the £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme, to support them to meet the benchmarks set out in the Enrichment Framework, helping them build a strong offer shaped by their own pupils.
- Revitalising the curriculum to ensure young people are given the chance to experience the arts, while maintaining a strong academic core, removing school performance measures that constrain subject choice, and making sure GCSEs in arts subjects are fit for purpose.
The government is working with The National Lottery Community Fund to develop Every Child Can. Further details on the remaining funding, how each programme will work and how to apply to take part will be published in due course.

The Department for Education will work closely with schools, colleges and sector partners, including the Enrichment for All Coalition, to support implementation of the framework and understand its impact on children and young people. This will help build a shared approach to ensuring high-quality enrichment opportunities can support attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement for all pupils.
14/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [June 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 June 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

The Prime Minister expressed his support for President Trump’s efforts to bring the conflict with Iran to an end, welcoming the progress made and underlining the importance of ensuring any deal delivers a durable and lasting peace.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK stands ready to support the implementation of any peace agreement and to work with international partners to ensure its success.

Both leaders agreed that freedom of navigation must be restored to ease the economic impacts felt globally.

They agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to speaking at next week’s G7 summit.

13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [June 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 June 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this morning.

Both agreed that in the face of shared and evolving threats, Allies must step up together – strengthening collective defence and delivering more, faster.

The Prime Minister updated on plans for the Defence Investment Plan, underlining his commitment to publish it ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

The NATO Secretary General welcomed the UK’s increased investment in defence as an important contribution to the Alliance and to meeting the threats we face.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his commitment to reaching 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament, making clear that national security will remain the Government’s top priority, backed by the hard‑edged decisions needed to deliver it.

They agreed to stay in close contact.

13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK celebrates community change-makers from across the UK in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 June 2026.

Community change-makers up and down the country are being celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List today, with 1,182 recipients awarded from every part of the UK.

These recipients have contributed significantly to their communities, going above and beyond in delivering positive change to benefit others.

Their involvement in their local areas includes fostering children in need, alleviating hygiene poverty and fundraising to improve services for special educational needs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.

Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.

It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.

Recipients being honoured today include Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Donald McCullin who are being made Members of the Order of the Companion of Honour. Professor Parveen Kumar receives a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for services to Global Medical Education and Health.

Charlotte Tilbury receives a CBE for her services to the Beauty and Cosmetics Industry and Julius O’Riordan (Judge Jules) is awarded an MBE for services to Music, to Entertainment Law and to Young People.

The oldest recipient on the List is Pauline Hough, who at 101 years old receives a BEM for services to theatre and to the community in Nantwich.

At 20 years old, Michelle Agyemang is the youngest recipient, who is one of the Euros winning Lionesses on the list. She is receiving her MBE for services to Association Football, alongside her teammates Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo.

It is also very encouraging to see that this year there is an increased number of recipients from an ethnic minority background at 11.5%, together with an increased representation of those with disabilities at 15.6%.

Arts

Patrick Doyle is being awarded an OBE for his services to Film and actor and director Dexter Fletcher also receives an OBE for services to Film and Television.

Sports

Kevin Sinfield is being awarded with a Knighthood for services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the MND Community. Recently retired England Rugby Union player Emily Scarratt, golfer Luke Donald and snooker player Shaun Murphy all receive OBEs.

Business

Diana Sarah Brightmore-Armour is being awarded an CBE for services to Women and Diversity in Financial Services. Elizabeth Prince is receiving an MBE for services to the Games Industry and to Diversity.

Entertainment

DJ and broadcaster Carl Cox receives an OBE, Lisa Riley is being awarded an MBE for services to Drama and to Charity and Laszlo Endresz received a BEM for services to Circus Entertainment in the North West.

71 people have received awards in this year’s Overseas and International Birthday Honours List, recognising exceptional service to the UK overseas and internationally. This List reflects contributions across a broad range of fields. The British nationals recognised have directly benefited the UK and helped to strengthen the UK’s global reputation and support communities worldwide. Those being honoured on the Overseas List include Philip Ambler for services to Eye Health in Myanmar and Jane Grimshaw for services to the Education of Disadvantaged Children in India.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour for free. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.

13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointments [June 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 June 2026.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP as Minister of State (Security Minister) jointly in the Home Office and the Cabinet Office
- Stephen Morgan MP as Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
- Calvin Bailey MBE MP as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence
- Jade Botterill MP as a Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip)
- Emma Foody MP as an Assistant Whip, House of Commons
- Lord Leong CBE as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Business and Trade
- Lord Lemos CMG CBE as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Lord Collins of Highbury as Parliamentary Secretary. He remains as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
- Baroness Ramsey as Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip)
- Baroness Curran as Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip)
The Prime Minister has also appointed the Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, to the Cabinet.
13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland [June 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 June 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to Taoiseach Micheál Martin this afternoon.

The Prime Minister underlined his concern at the shocking attack in Belfast earlier this week, and said that his thoughts were with Stephen Ogilvie and his family. He condemned the unacceptable violence that erupted in Northern Ireland after the attack and was clear that there is no justification for these scenes. He praised the response of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The leaders agreed that they would continue to strengthen the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area (CTA), through enhanced data sharing and joint intelligence operations. They said that the CTA was of huge importance to their citizens but that they must work together to protect it from abuse.

On the UK’s relations with the EU, the Prime Minister looked ahead to Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency and the second UK-EU Summit later this year. The leaders reflected on progress towards closer cooperation that delivers for businesses, for the economy and in our shared interests.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK to roll out Dutch-style employment support across Britain [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 12 June 2026.

Young Brits are set to benefit from Dutch style employment support as the Government steps up localised support to tackle rising NEET numbers.
- Government to open almost 180 Dutch-style Youth Hubs over next two years to tackle rising youth unemployment as nation’s NEET number hits one million
- Visting the Netherlands, the Work and Pensions Secretary saw how Dutch ‘Jongerenpunt’ youth points are bringing services under one roof, helping them record Europe’s lowest NEET rate
- Secretary of State vows to learn from the Netherlands’ approach where young people are given multiple chances through work-study pathways, employer partnerships and apprenticeships to build a system where “inactivity is a last resort”
Young Brits are set to benefit from Dutch style employment support as the Government steps up localised support to tackle rising NEET numbers.

Almost 180 new Youth Hubs will begin opening from next week which will provide wraparound services – coordinating education, welfare, and employment support. This comes after the government implemented a standard blueprint for Youth Hubs last year as part of the expansion programme, designed to ensure hubs include essential wraparound services such as health, housing and wellbeing support, with consideration given to international models and UK evidence, while reflecting local needs and partnerships.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden visited one of these youth points in Rotterdam and spoke to employers and educators about the transformational impact they have for Dutch youngsters.

The Netherlands has one of the world’s lowest NEET rates – 4.9 percent among 18 to 24-year-olds, compared to the UK’s 15.1 percent.

Britain’s new Youth Hubs will bring vital support to young people where they already are at a range settings including football clubs, community centres and libraries. The hubs, like the Jongerenpunt services in the Netherlands, are one stop shops where young people can access the support they need – whether it’s CV advice, housing support or mental health support they need. Every local area across Britain will now get a Youth Hub, with 360 youth hubs to be opened by 2029.

Youth points are a key part of the Netherlands’ system, alongside their strong track record of vocational training. Around 35 percent of young people in the Netherlands pursue technical and professional pathways compared with 22 percent in the UK. More than half of Dutch young people have workplace experience by the age of 19, compared to dwindling early labour market participation in the UK.

During his visit the Secretary of State heard more about the Netherlands’ strong emphasis on early intervention, local accountability and active engagement. Young people who leave education without qualifications continue to receive support, while local authorities, employers, schools and employment services work together to prevent long-term inactivity. He vowed to build a system in the UK where there is a “path for everyone”.

The Netherlands’ success comes despite the fact Dutch young people rank second in the world for depressive symptoms – directly behind the UK and report anxiety disorders at rates slightly below Britain’s. If the UK were to match the Dutch NEET rate, 600,000 more young people would be in work or education today according to the Resolution Foundation.

This strongly suggests the difference is not health but how the country responds to it, with the Dutch system keeping people connected to work before it is too late.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

In the Netherlands, inactivity is a last resort, yet we all too often see young people signed off and written off, without engagement or support.

That is a system failure which has failed our young people. “We should learn from their approach of having a pathway for every young person

With hundreds of new Youth Hubs and an expansion across all areas of the UK and our £2.5 billion investment in our Youth Guarantee we will create more than 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships, expand employment support and deliver the biggest reforms to apprenticeships in a decade.

This comes as over a million 16-24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, with the number rising by almost 250,000 since 2021 with more than half reporting a health condition.

These figures underline the need for targeted action which is why the Government is delivering a major youth employment drive backed by £2.5 billion over the next three years which will support almost one million young people and help deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. This includes enhanced apprenticeship support, helping more young people into work while giving businesses greater incentives to hire and train those who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months.

We have also introduced a £2,000 incentive for each new employee aged 16-24 taken on by a small business, while National Insurance Contributions are waived for most employees under 21 and apprentices under 25.

This existing support, combined with learnings from the Secretary of State’s visit to the Netherlands are essential to the government’s mission to get Britain’s young people into good, productive jobs which will drive the nation’s plan for growth.
13/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Disqualified director jailed for £3 million fraud which helped bankroll lavish lifestyle with chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 12 June 2026.

Two men sentenced in insolvency fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
- Tariq Sarwar fraudulently transferred more than £3 million from the sale of a Salford commercial property
- Christopher Francis laundered the money through a network of accounts and companies, returning funds to Sarwar with creditors losing out
- Both men have been sentenced following investigations by the Insolvency Service
Two men who carried out a £3 million insolvency fraud and money laundering scheme have been sentenced.

Disqualified director Tariq Sarwar, 59, knew his company was in financial difficulty and likely to be wound-up when he sold commercial property in Salford – his company’s only substantial asset – for more than £5 million.

Sarwar fraudulently transferred more than £3 million from the proceeds of that sale without paying off his company’s debts to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and other creditors.

The money went to a food and drinks company controlled by Christopher Francis, 40, who laundered the funds through a network of accounts and other companies back to Sarwar.

While creditors were left owed more than £500,000, Sarwar and his family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in the Cheshire countryside, including a six-bedroom home filled with designer products from Versace and Louis Vuitton.

His son even appeared on reality television programme Rich Kids Go Skint, filmed in the summer of 2019, where he admitted he had never been on a bus before and was chauffeured around in a Rolls-Royce.

Sarwar, of Gore Lane, Alderley Edge, admitted charges of fraudulently removing assets in anticipation of winding-up and acting as a company director while disqualified in April this year.

He was jailed for four years and banned as a company director for 10 years when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 12 June.

Francis, of Letchworth Road, Luton, pleaded guilty in the middle of his trial last month to one count of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

He was sentenced to two years and one month in prison, suspended for two years, at the same hearing.

Francis was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

The Insolvency Service has already started investigations to confiscate the funds.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Tariq Sarwar and Christopher Francis went to considerable lengths to hide their criminal actions, moving millions of pounds through a web of companies to cover their tracks.

Property companies do not hand more than £3 million to an unconnected food and drinks business out of generosity. This was fraud, plain and simple.

The Insolvency Service will continue to pursue confiscation proceedings to ensure Sarwar and Francis do not get to keep what was never rightfully theirs.

Daniel Hart, Senior Criminal Lawyer at the Insolvency Service, said:

Tariq Sarwar diverted millions of pounds beyond the reach of creditors to maintain a luxury lifestyle, despite being disqualified as a company director.

Together with Christopher Francis, he sought to disguise the proceeds through a network of companies to evade detection. That attempt failed. The Insolvency Service traced the fraud and brought both men to justice.

The Insolvency Service is committed to targeting those who seek to hide criminality behind corporate structures and will take robust action against those who abuse the insolvency regime or engage in corporate abuse. Offenders can expect to be prosecuted and to face serious consequences.

Sarwar was disqualified as a company director for 11 years in November 2013. At the time, his company owed at least £1.6 million to creditors yet he arranged for more than a quarter of a million pounds to be paid to his personal benefit from an insurance claim.

The company went into administration less than eight weeks after this payment.

Sarwar’s disqualification prevented him by law from forming, managing or promoting a company without the permission of the court, which he did not have.

Despite this, he acted as director of A Property Management Limited between November 2014 and July 2018, and of Willowloch Limited for almost 10 years from April 2015 until his disqualification ended in November 2024.

In both instances, although other individuals were formally appointed as directors, Sarwar retained actual control of the companies.

A Property Management Limited’s trading activities were purchasing Langley Mill Business Park on Langley Road in Salford, renovating it and letting individual units to other businesses.

Willowloch Limited’s primary trading activity was the purchase and conversion of the former Stockport Police Station on Lee Street into flats.

The two companies were financially intertwined. Money was moved between them without clear justification, and funds from A Property Management Limited were used to service a loan that benefited Willowloch Limited.

HMRC applied to have A Property Management Limited wound-up in March 2018 after the company failed to pay £130,000 in tax.

Sarwar therefore knew that there was a realistic prospect his company would be shut down.

Just three months later, Langley Mill Business Park was sold for just under £5.1 million.

After mortgages and legal fees were paid off, Sarwar instructed A Property Management Limited’s solicitors to transfer the remaining amount to KYCA Trading Limited, a company directed by Francis.

Almost £3.1 million was moved within nine days of the sale.

By early July 2018, the entire sum had been paid into accounts belonging to six other companies.

Insolvency Service investigations traced £645,000 which had been subsequently transferred to a company whose directors were members of Sarwar’s immediate family.

A further £748,980 passed through a series of other companies before ultimately finding its way back to Sarwar’s own family business and into his personal business account.

When the Insolvency Service contacted Sarwar about his role in the sale of Langley Mill Business Park, he denied any involvement.

Francis claimed that more than £700,000 had been transferred as a deposit on five penthouses.

This was a transaction he could not name, document, or credibly explain.

Francis was disqualified as a company director for six years in March 2021 after failing to provide adequate accounting records for KYCA Trading Limited.

He claimed his car, containing his laptop and all business records, had been stolen and burnt out overnight.

HMRC were later repaid in full and other creditors eventually received a limited return on what they were owed.

Further information
- Tariq Sarwar is of Gore Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire. His date of birth is 31 August 1966
- Christopher Francis is of Letchworth Road, Luton. His date of birth is 24 September 1985
13/06/2026