Postmasters accused of multi-million pound money laundering scheme in Glasgow

Four people will stand trial after a multi-million pound post office dirty money probe.

Postmasters Iqbal Sadiq, 63, Harbinder Malhi, 49, and Gurdeep Bassi, 61, are said to have been allegedly involved with 31-year-old Guantong Hu.

The indictment states Hu acted with a named individual by directing others to commit “money laundering offences”.

It is claimed these people were to open bank accounts and then hand over the associated cards.

Prosecutors state “criminal property” was then deposited into them at various Post Office premises in Glasgow including those ran by the other three accused.

The total sum alleged is £7,432 625. It is also claimed what is described as “goods” valued at £1,433,271 were bought.

A separate charge states Sadiq was the postmaster at the St George’s Cross Post Office on the city’s Maryhill Road at the time.

It is said Sadiq “in return for payment” instructed his employees to allow money to be put into various accounts without it being counted, no ID checks carried out or “suspicious activity reports” completed.

The total sum allegedly laundered at that branch alone is listed as £2,151, 275.

Malhi faces a similar charge as Sadiq in connection with the Sandyford Post Office on Glasgow’s Argyle Street.

The figure on the indictment for here is £2,787,320.

Bassi is said to have been in charge at the Hyndland Post Office on Clarence Drive in the city’s West End during the dates.

A total of £847,550 was allegedly laundered there.

The charges on the indictment – which include those under the Proceeds of Crime Act – span between 2020 and 2021.

Defence lawyers John Brannigan, John Scullion KC, Tony Graham KC and Shelagh McCall KC pleaded not guilty on behalf of each during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

The advocates along with prosecutor Greg Farrell agreed a trial could be fixed.

Lord Mulholland fixed a trial and it is due to start in May 2026.

The case – which will be before judge Lady Hood – could last around a month.