Incorrect paperwork delays money laundering case

It was adjourned until June 22 after His Honour Judge Christopher Hehir pointed out that he had been provided with incorrect information on the formal indictment document, which sets out charges to be tried at Crown Court.

Stan Reiz, representing Edward Cohen, also said that he had not been presented with a case summary.

Each of the defendants was bailed until June 22, when they will be expected to re-enter their pleas. A provisional date for a 12-week trial was set for March 4 2019.

The judge warned Jacob Gross, Mindy Gross and Maurice Gross after all three arrived late, warning that “lateness on other occasions may result in consequences”.

He said: “I do not want to sound like a schoolmaster but it is vital you appear on time when for when you case is listed on June 22 because otherwise it holds everyone up. It might be that the judge on that day is less forgiving.”

Edward and David Cohen, aged 65 and 37, respectively, also denied counts of providing false statements to obtain benefits, with the latter also pleading not guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances which would affect benefits.

The pair, as trustees of charities Chabad UK and previously Brocho Vhatziocho, Mamosh Worldwide, Ozer Dalim and Havenpoint Worldwide, also deny providing false and misleading information to the Charity Commission – namely, that the charities had no income.

Last month Edward Cohen registered a business address at 53 Oldhill Street in Stamford Hill, which is the address of Chabad UK and Havenpoint.

Chabad UK is an entirely separate charity from Chabad Lubavitch UK, and is not part of the official Chabad movement.