Sheibani, a 43-year-old Iranian refugee, was described as living a "lavish" lifestyle and being "fuelled by greed and dishonesty." The Metropolitan Police continued to investigate his finances after his initial sentencing and discovered a £5m property empire, £1.2m in cash, and £1.5m in cryptocurrency, all of which were seized by police.

Sheibani has three months to comply with the confiscation order sought by the Economic Crime Unit.

Det Supt Buckthorpe described the criminal case involving Sheibani as complex, extending overseas and involving cryptocurrency.

Sheibani was unaware of the harm caused by his trade, according to Buckthorpe.

The investigation continued after Sheibani's arrest, with financial investigators aiming to confiscate all ill-gotten gains.

The confiscated funds will be used to benefit the local community and make it harder for criminals like Sheibani to operate.