One of the UK’s former top-ranking police officers has launched a criminal investigation into billionaire property tycoon Asif Aziz following complaints from residents of Fountain House—a luxury apartment complex on Park Lane in London’s prestigious Mayfair district. The high-end residence, situated close to the homes of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan and Pakistan’s Sharif family, is managed by Aziz’s property company, Parkgate Aspen.
Tarique Ghaffur CBE, a former Scotland Yard commander, has confirmed he is leading a private criminal inquiry into the conduct of Aziz and his associates. “We are conducting a criminal investigation into Fountain House over several matters concerning Asif Aziz and his management company and cohorts,” said Ghaffur. He explained the investigation stems from a series of complaints filed by leaseholders and further material he has since examined. The former senior police official said his team is gathering evidence with the intention of submitting findings to the relevant authorities.
Luxury Residents in Dispute Over Charges and Mismanagement
Fountain House residents—comprising wealthy individuals and millionaires—have raised concerns over the handling of service charges and the overall management of the building. The dispute centres on what residents claim is inadequate service despite high fees. Reports suggest that several have also taken legal action in local civil courts against Aziz’s company.
Aziz, who brands himself “Mr Mayfair” and “Mr West End,” is a prominent figure in London’s property market. Through his Aziz Foundation and extensive real estate holdings, he owns hundreds of luxury buildings across the capital. However, Fountain House leaseholders allege that they have been subjected to unfair practices and substandard living conditions inconsistent with the fees they are charged.
History of Controversies Surrounding Asif Aziz
Asif Aziz is no stranger to controversy. His business activities have come under scrutiny for years. The political magazine Private Eye previously criticised Aziz for using Isle of Man-registered companies to purchase London pubs, which were then shuttered and converted into upscale housing. This strategy has drawn the ire of community advocates who accuse him of eroding London’s social spaces.
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In 2017, Aziz sparked public debate after he argued in the High Court that his partner of 14 years was not legally his wife and therefore not entitled to a share of his then £1.1 billion fortune. The dispute concluded with a settlement between the couple, who have four children together.
Mounting Criticism Over Business Ethics and Public Relations
In 2020, The Times dubbed Aziz “the meanest landlord in Britain” for his treatment of tenants during the pandemic. The criticism didn’t stop there. In 2022, Novara Media published a report accusing him of buying up bars and nurseries only to redevelop them into luxury apartments. Aziz’s legal team responded by issuing defamation threats and demanding the article be removed.
Early in 2025, a new controversy erupted involving one of Aziz’s companies, Criterion Capital. Zedwell LSQ Ltd, a subsidiary of Criterion, was accused by the Prince Charles Cinema of attempting to force out the historic venue with an unreasonable rent hike and a restrictive lease clause. The cinema’s public petition to “Save The Prince Charles Cinema” gained traction rapidly, amassing 115,000 signatures in just two days.
Concerns Over Tenants’ Living Conditions and Regulatory Compliance
Further damage to Aziz’s reputation followed as reports emerged in 2025 about serious maintenance issues and rodent infestations in properties managed under his “Dstrkt” housing brand. Despite soaring rents, tenants reportedly faced substandard conditions. Adding to the controversy, Aziz reportedly paid £150,000 to settle allegations that he operated a Forrest Gump-themed shrimp restaurant without a license in London’s busy Piccadilly Circus.
Adding to regulatory concerns, Golfrate Holdings (Angola) Lda—a company linked to Aziz’s wider business network—is currently sanctioned by the U.S. government. It appears on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list under multiple aliases, including Golfrate Africa and Golfrate Food Industries, raising questions about transparency and compliance across his business empire.
The article has been received directly from the reporter.