A FORMER city estate agent and letting agent accused of fraud and money laundering faced magistrates yesterday.

Zulfiqar Hussain – also known as Zogey – of Kenilworth Avenue, East Oxford, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing on eight charges of fraud and six charges of breaching regulations under the Unfair Trading Regulations Act 2008.

He is also accused of two counts of money laundering – one in connection with £150,000, which was allegedly concealed or disguised between February 2008 and December 2009, and also a charge relating to possession of £1,457.36.

Hussain, 42, was arrested earlier this month following a probe by police and trading standards officers, which included raids on Charles Lawson (Lettings) Limited, in Cowley Road, and a house in Bartlemas Road.

The fraud allegations are regarding tenants’ deposits.

The case was adjourned until Friday, November 5, to allow Hussain’s legal aid to be properly processed.

He is on unconditional bail.