A man who orchestrated one of the largest property scams in UK history is finally set to face justice.
Anopkumar Maudhoo, 46, defrauded at least 45 victims out of £8.5 million, using the proceeds to buy yachts, luxury cars, and live a life of lavish excess.
The Scam That Shook London
Maudhoo, an illegal immigrant from Mauritius who should have been deported in 2010, ran a sophisticated property fraud across London and the South East.
He claimed to sell repossessed homes or plots of land for redevelopment, but in reality, none of the properties were actually for sale.
Some buyers even ended up purchasing the same house in Eaton Terrace, Belgravia, where properties can sell for over £10 million.
Using forged documents, solicitor stamps, and a variety of aliases, Maudhoo created a convincing façade of legitimacy that allowed him to live extravagantly.
A Life of Luxury Built on Lies
The fraudster spent the stolen money on a £97,000 speedboat and 19 luxury cars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, and a £200,000 Porsche GT3 RS.
Despite some assets being seized, Interpol has issued a Silver Notice to track the rest of his wealth around the globe.
For his victims, the financial toll was devastating.
One elderly man said the stress contributed to a stroke, while Zayn Ahmed, who lost £230,000, described “sleepless nights and deep emotional distress” after being deceived by someone he trusted.
A Pattern of Deception
Investigators found Maudhoo had sold 75 properties or development plots since 2021, targeting victims across north London, Hertfordshire, and Essex.
He went by numerous names, including Vincent LeBouf, Rossello Di Paolo, Pascal Burns, Yusuf Khan, Hamid Khan, and Vicenzo Conte, and even presented fake documents such as a Portuguese driving licence.
He pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including 14 counts of fraud by false representation, and asked that additional 45 instances of fraud be considered during sentencing.
How the Scam Worked
Prosecutor Simon Wiltshire explained that Maudhoo presented himself as having access to repossessed properties available at a discount.
Some of the properties were genuine rental homes or managed by legitimate property companies, while others were privately owned homes whose owners were completely unaware of the fraudulent sales.
The victims included both experienced property investors and ordinary families trying to secure a future for their children.
At Southwark Crown Court, victims described the scam as a “cruel and calculated act of deception” that caused deep betrayal and shame.
Court Proceedings and Alleged Remorse
During the hearing, Maudhoo’s defense counsel said he wished to apologize to the victims, but acknowledged that his actions spoke louder than words.
While he has helped other prisoners learn to read and write, his lawyer admitted Maudhoo is not a completely changed character.
A Life Marked by Multiple Identities
Between April 2021 and December 2024, Maudhoo also admitted to 16 counts of possessing false identity documents and one count of perverting the course of justice.
He has 25 previous convictions for fraud and used multiple identities to evade law enforcement and immigration authorities.
In addition to his extravagant lifestyle, he maintained a collection of over 20 personalised number plates referencing his various aliases, further illustrating the extent of his deception.
Next Steps
Maudhoo’s sentencing is expected later today, and his imprisonment will leave behind his wife of 14 years and their children, a collateral consequence of his long history of fraud.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how far some will go to exploit trust for personal gain.
