£40k 'stuffed in safe' was just a bank deposit
A Lancaster University economics graduate has rejected claims his pizza takeaway firm is linked to modern slavery and money laundering.
Mr Eglin added: "In mitigation, his solicitors say Mr Collaku was born in Albania. He came to the UK in 2000, went to Lancaster University and got a degree in economics. Today, he lives with his wife and children. The takeaway now has three full-time staff. Each current member was checked and has the right to live and work in the UK, as does his wife. It is a family business, in effect.
He also said Mr Collaku had only started making fine payments recently in September. This was after the Home Office handed the matter to a debt collector. In 2022, a Bulgarian man went to Lancaster Police Station, claiming Mr Collaku had taken his passport and slapped him in an argument. The man did not want to make a formal complaint but wanted to return home. Mr Collaku was later given a community protection warning by the police. He made no comment when cautioned, PC Taylor said.
'Owner is taking action' Ben Williams, a barrister representing Mr Collaku, said the Flames owner accepted he had breached some licensing conditions and immigration laws. However, suggestions of modern slavery, money laundering or crime were totally rejected and had no evidence. And documents which were contrary to the Bulgarian woman's allegations to the police were found at another premises. She was married to Mr Collaku's cousin.
"Today, councillors are being told this is a case of 'too little, too late'. But I say that argument is not based on the facts. There is no doubt these are serious matters. But this individual has done enough to persuade you to give him one last chance.
Lancaster University Lancaster City Council
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lancashire Police welcomes new Chief Inspector for Chorley, South Ribble and West LancashireNew Chief Inspector James Neale. Lancashire Police has welcomed a new Chief Inspector for Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire. James Neale will be
Read more »
Aerial view shows new Lancashire Cricket site at Farington progressThe Lancashire Cricket facility at Farington Pic: Lancashire County Council New aerial pictures show the cricket pitches at the state-of-the-art Lancashire
Read more »
Katie Price misses yet another court date as she faces paying back £40k in TikTok earningsA judge has been left “concerned” after Katie Price missed another court date.
Read more »
New Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 update “planned for this week” on console and PCWarhammer 40K Space Marine 2 developer has announced another update is 'planned for this week' on console and PC.
Read more »
Glasgow crime gang run by Jamie 'Iceman' Stevenson cost taxpayer £40k in legal aidIt has now emerged Jamie Stevenson has so far claimed £11,374 to fund his defence team, after pleading guilty to his role in smuggling cocaine and supplying and producing street valium.
Read more »
Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 roadmap shows exciting free updates for 2024/25Focus Entertainment has shared the Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 roadmap to reveal exciting free updates for 2024/25.
Read more »