In a significant judgment following the UK’s largest fraud trial, Aaron Pulford successfully represented Tesco Stores Limited in contempt proceedings, securing a 15-month custodial sentence for Shahin Mouradi.
The case highlighted not only this Defendant’s repeated and extreme misconduct but also the broader societal impact of fraudulent activities on businesses, consumers, and the justice system.
Between 2019 and 2024, Shahin Mouradi orchestrated a series of deceptions to further his fraudulent claim. The Defendant sent an imposter to a remote hearing to provide false evidence on his behalf, including denying that he had ever instructed solicitors. At a subsequent hearing, Aaron Pulford exposed the imposture before the court. Despite being cautioned about his right against self-incrimination, the Defendant gave false evidence under oath and later submitted a witness statement containing knowingly false assertions.
Tesco Stores Limited obtained expert voice recognition evidence, confirming the imposture. This prompted contempt proceedings, during which the Defendant made partial admissions. He admitted to bringing the fraudulent claim and acknowledged the imposture but alleged it had been carried out without his knowledge or consent. The Defendant also denied awareness of the staged crash underlying the claim until after it had occurred. Tesco alleged these denials constituted further contempts.
At a one-day hearing, the court found that Mouradi had been present during the orchestration of the staged crash and was complicit in the imposture. The Defendant’s actions, the court determined, were part of a broader "crash for cash" fraud ring—schemes involving staged road traffic accidents to claim fraudulent insurance payouts. These practices, the court noted, inflate insurance premiums and drive up supermarket prices, affecting the wider public.
At the sentencing hearing before Mrs Justice Collins-Rice, Aaron Pulford highlighted the need for accountability in cases involving fraudulent claims and abuse of the judicial system. He emphasised the importance of protecting the courts' integrity and ensuring that individuals engaging in such serious contempts face proportionate consequences.
Mrs Justice Collins-Rice described Mouradi’s actions as striking at the heart of the justice system. She further noted that Mouradi had escalated matters by committing additional contempts during the contempt proceedings themselves. These included his false denials under oath and fabricated witness statements, which compounded the severity of his conduct.
In her judgment, Mrs Justice Collins-Rice emphasised the critical role of the courts in safeguarding public confidence and deterring similar fraudulent behaviour.
To reflect the gravity of the contempts, the court imposed an immediate custodial sentence of 15 months.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of undermining the judicial process. The Defendant’s participation in fraudulent "crash for cash" schemes not only violated the integrity of the courts but also had far-reaching consequences for society by contributing to rising costs for consumers and businesses alike.
This judgment makes clear individuals who abuse the judicial system through fraud and deceit will face serious penalties.
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