Ex-MEP on money laundering charge

FORMER MEP Nikki Sinclaire has been charged with money laundering and misconduct in public office.

Ms Sinclaire will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on September 17 where she will hear claims that she made false and dishonest submissions for travelling expenses and transferred the proceeds of fraud through a bank account in her name.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1 October 2009 and 31 July 2010 when Ms Sinclaire was a serving Member of the European Parliament.

The 45-year-old, of Velsheda Road in Shirley, was originally arrested on 22 February 2012 and has since been on police bail.

Three other members of the public were also arrested but will face no further action.

Throughout the investigation West Midlands Police has been working jointly with officers from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

Simon Orme, Specialist Lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said the CPS authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Nicole Sinclaire with the offences of money laundering and misconduct in public office.

He added: “The decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"We have determined that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

Read more: Ex-MEP on money laundering charge | Solihull Observer