A Riddlesden criminal has been ordered to repay more than £200,000 of his ill-gotten gains.

Wasim Karim, of Westfield Crescent, was told to stump up £211,651 or go to prison for another two years and eight months at a Proceeds of Crime confiscation hearing at Bradford Crown Court on Friday.

He was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for money laundering and perverting the course of justice, following a lengthy investigation by the Bradford POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) team.

Karim bought his property for £220,000 cash in February, 2008, allegedly using ‘contributions’ from friends and family.

The purchase was investigated, and it was found the money had in fact originated from Karim himself.

Four further house purchases were also investigated, and it was found the properties had been bought using money originating from Karim that had been ‘washed’ through numerous accounts.

Detective Sergeant Karen Milner, of the Bradford POCA investigation team, said: “We welcome the significant sum Karim has been ordered to repay, which we hope demonstrates to others crime does not pay and that we will continue to pursue those who benefit from criminal means.

“If members of the public are suspicious about the wealth and lifestyle of anyone they know, they should report their concerns in confidence either via 101, in person at their local police station or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. We will investigate.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson, added: “This case is for a significant amount of money and demonstrates yet again how important it is we get more of the money seized from criminals in West Yorkshire kept here and invested back into tackling crime.”