Who Is Asif Aziz? The billionaire landlord facing 'criminal probe' in UK

A former senior officer of Scotland Yard has initiated a private criminal investigation into billionaire landlord Asif Aziz following complaints from residents of Fountain House, an upscale residential block located on Park Lane in London’s Mayfair district.

Tarique Ghaffur CBE, a former Scotland Yard commander, confirmed that he is leading a criminal inquiry into Aziz and his property management company, Parkgate Aspen. The investigation is reportedly based on multiple complaints from wealthy residents regarding the management of Fountain House, which consists of around 80 high-value apartments near the Dorchester Hotel.

“This investigation stems from numerous complaints by leaseholders. Upon reviewing the details and additional information received, we believe there are serious concerns that warrant a criminal inquiry,” said Ghaffur. “We have begun gathering evidence with the intent to report findings to the appropriate authorities.”

Residents have raised issues over excessive service charges and what they allege is substandard management. Legal proceedings have also been initiated in a civil court against Aziz’s company by some of the tenants, all of whom are reportedly millionaires. Fountain House is situated near properties owned by high-profile individuals including former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family and Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan.

Asif Aziz, often referred to as “Mr. Mayfair,” is the founder of the Aziz Foundation and owns hundreds of properties across central London through his real estate company, Criterion Capital. The company has faced several controversies over the years related to its handling of properties and tenant relations.

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In 2020, The Times questioned whether Aziz was “the meanest landlord in Britain” due to his treatment of tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also been criticised by Private Eye magazine for using offshore entities in the Isle of Man to acquire properties, including pubs that were later converted into high-end housing.

Aziz’s redevelopment strategy has drawn scrutiny from local communities and media outlets. In 2022, Novara Media reported on the alleged negative impact of his property conversions on public amenities like nurseries and bars. The report led to a legal threat from Aziz’s lawyers, who claimed defamation.

In late 2024, Aziz's company Criterion Capital came under public attention again when the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square launched a campaign against Zedwell LSQ Ltd—a company owned by Aziz—over a proposed steep rent increase and a controversial lease clause. The petition to “Save The Prince Charles Cinema” garnered over 115,000 signatures in just two days.

In 2025, reports also surfaced about widespread maintenance issues and pest infestations in properties managed under Aziz’s “Dstrkt” housing brand, amid rising rental rates. Additionally, Aziz allegedly paid £150,000 to resolve a complaint related to the illegal operation of a Forrest Gump-themed shrimp restaurant in Piccadilly Circus.

Aziz’s corporate affiliations have also come under question. Golfrate Holdings (Angola) Lda, linked to his business network, is currently listed by U.S. authorities as a sanctioned entity under the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.