A Financial Fraudster News investigation reveals that Starling Bank Ltd is facing serious accusations of unlawfully restricting a customer's access to their funds, despite the expiration of an Account Freezing Order (AFO).
The case centers around Ms. Andrea Maxwell (not her real name) a UK entrepreneur, who had her accounts frozen under an AFO issued by Suffolk Magistrates' Court on February 9, 2024, and subsequently extended on June 7, 2024, under Section 303Z4 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA 2002).
However, a subsequent court order, issued on December 5, 2024, appears to have set a clear deadline for any further extension of this AFO.
The order stipulated that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) who failed to uncover any wrongdoing on Ms Maxwell behalf causing extreme harm financially and mentally to the entrepreneur were required to apply for any extension by May 5, 2025 giving any basis for the application.
Financial Fraudster News has seen the court order which states that in the absence of such an application, the AFO would cease to have effect at the close of business on May 5, 2025.
Despite this, Starling Bank Ltd has allegedly failed to release the funds in Ms. Maxwell' accounts, effectively ignoring the court order and unlawfully depriving her of access to her money.
Ms. Maxwell, through her legal representatives, has sent a formal demand to Starling Bank Ltd, urging them to immediately:
Acknowledge in writing the expiration of the AFO.
Unfreeze all personal, business, and savings accounts held in her name.
Provide her with immediate and unrestricted access to all funds held within those accounts.
The communication reportedly warns the bank that failure to comply will result in legal action, including applications for mandatory injunctions and claims for damages.
This news outlet has reached out to Starling Bank Ltd for comment but has yet to receive a response.
This situation raises serious questions about Starling Bank Ltd's adherence to due process and their respect for court orders. The implications of a bank unlawfully restricting a customer's access to their own funds are significant, potentially causing severe financial hardship and undermining public trust in the banking system.
Financial Fraudster News will continue to monitor this situation and report on any further developments.
Financial Fraudster News investigations has approached Starling Bank for comment.
Related Articles:
