What is an unexplained wealth order?

Unexplained wealth orders (UWOS) were introduced under so-called Mcmafia laws – named after the BBC organised crime drama – which came into force at the start of last year.

They are seen as a way of making wealthy figures – such as Russian oligarchs – who are suspected of corruption, account for their luxury lifestyles in Britain.

They allow investigators to force a “politically exposed person” (PEP) to explain the source of their wealth and give the National Crime Agency power to seize assets if they cannot. A PEP is someone from outside the European Economic Area in a position of power that makes them liable to bribery or corruption, or someone with suspected links to serious or organised crime.

The UK’S first UWOS were granted against Zamira Hajiyeva, from Azerbaijan, in connection with properties bought for a total of £22 million.

Mrs Hajiyeva came to the attention of the NCA because of her credit card spending and effective control of a Knightsbridge house, now worth £15m, the High Court heard.

Lawyers for the NCA claimed her husband, who was a banker, was a state employee between 1993 and 2015 and would not have had a large enough legitimate salary to fund their lifestyle.

In a witness statement submitted to the High Court, Mrs Hajiyeva insisted her husband was “innocent” and had faced a “completely unfair ” trial in Azerbaijan where he was jailed for 15 years for fraud and embezzlement.