A high-stakes property scam worth £700,000 was brought to a dramatic halt thanks to the sharp instincts and unwavering integrity of legal professional Lubna Khan.
The founder and Managing Director of Woodhall Solicitors in Bradford, Lubna uncovered what could have been a life-ruining fraud for the real owner, saving a family’s financial future and helping spark a wider criminal investigation.
“This wasn’t just a legal win,” said one of her colleagues. “This was a public service.” “It reminds us that due diligence isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a frontline defence.”
In a striking example of how rigorous legal compliance can stop criminal activity before it unfolds, a local solicitor Lubna Khan who has practised law for over 25 years has been praised for uncovering a sophisticated property scam during the COVID period via a routine due diligence check.
The scam involved the attempted sale of a residential property by an individual impersonating the rightful owner. Thanks to Lubna Khan’s meticulous review of documents and verification procedures, several inconsistencies were flagged, prompting further investigation. Authorities confirmed that the transaction was part of a broader fraud operation targeting high-value homes with absent or elderly owners.
Even more worrying, the individual claiming to own the land refused to attend the office and insisted on continuing the deal remotely.
“This case highlights the critical role solicitors play not just in facilitating transactions, but in protecting the public and the integrity of the property market,” said Lubna Khan for Woodhall Solicitors. “Without the firms vigilance, this fraud could have resulted in significant financial and emotional harm to the true owner.”
According to sources close to the investigation, the would-be fraudsters used forged identity documents and manipulated utility records to create the illusion of ownership. Lubna Khan became suspicious when reviewing the file and then contacted the NCA (National Crime Agency) who suggested a site inspection and report to the Police with a view to devising a plan and appointing roles within her legal team to bring down the fraudsters.
The Covert Operation
During a discreet covert operation, Lubna Khan arranged for the suspected fraudsters to attend the offices under the pretext of witnessing documents, presented as a brief and routine appointment with nearby parking available.
Notably, Lubna and her senior team went beyond the typical scope of their professional duties by sending junior staff home in advance, prioritising their safety and demonstrating a high level of foresight and responsibility.
As a direct result of the calibre and capabilities demonstrated it was evident that the staff at Woodhall Solicitors will go above and beyond in their role to safeguard public funds, the interests of both the clients and the firm even though it means putting themselves at risk to secure a successful outcome.
The strategy used proved successful, while the documents were being reviewed, a colleague discreetly alerted law enforcement. Police arrived promptly and arrested the suspects on site.
A Passion for Justice
Lubna’s sharp legal eye and fearless response may have made headlines, but for her, the job is about something more profound.
“My interest in law was always driven by a desire to help others and make a real difference. Law empowers people. It protects their futures. Especially in property transactions—often the biggest financial decision of a person’s life.”
This article is an opportunity to highlight a sophisticated case where Woodhall Solicitors senior team successfully stopped a fraudulent property case and worked together with the police to ensure arrests were made at the material time and successfully recovered a deposit.
Protecting the Community
Woodhall Solicitors is an exceptional firm that has a dedicated, diverse and high-performing workforce, truly committed to protecting clients’ interests within the property department.
Lubna Khan from Woodhall Solicitors urges legal professionals to redouble their focus on compliance and identity verification amid rising cases of property-related fraud across the UK.
The incident comes amid increased pressure on the legal industry to bolster anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud prevention efforts, with regulators warning that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in exploiting digital tools and market pressures
You can get in touch with Woodhall Solicitors by calling 01274 888 001 or visiting the website www.woodhallsolicitors.co.uk
