Sandwell Council land deals probe: Councillor's son welcomes police decision to drop charge
The son of a senior Sandwell councillor has welcomed a decision to take no further action against him as part of a police investigation into council land deals.
Azeem Hafeez, the son of Sandwell Council's former deputy leader Mahboob Hussain, was arrested as part of a probe into the sale of former council properties.
Mr Hafeez was arrested at an address in Oldbury on April 1. He was on police bail while the investigation continued.
West Midlands Police confirmed Mr Fafeez, aged 30, has now been released without charge.
But the force confirmed that a wider investigation was ongoing into the the property deals involving the council.
These allegations claimed normal processes and procedures were not followed in relation to the sale of some redundant public toilets.
The toilets concerned are understood to be in Albert Street, Oldbury; Jervoise Lane, Stone Cross and the Shambles, Wednesbury.
Labour-run Sandwell Council said it would co-operate with the police investigation when it began last October.
In a statement, Mr Hafeez, said: "I'm very pleased that West Midlands Police have informed me that I will face no further action following my questioning earlier this year.
"I wish to stress that contrary to what was widely reported at the time my questioning did not relate to the sale or purchase of any former Sandwell Council properties.
"I'm considering taking legal action against a number of individuals and organisations and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage."
West Midlands Police spokesman Billy Corrigan said: "The 30-year-old man who was arrested in connection with irregularities regarding the sale of former Sandwell council properties between June 2012 and September 2014 has been released without charge."
Oldbury ward councillor Mr Hussain stood down as chairman of the council's asset management and land disposal committee last October.
In September Councillor Hussain apologised after it was revealed that he had failed to declare a business interest in Five Star Taxis which was awarded contracts by Sandwell Council.
Councillor Hussain declined to comment at this stage.
Sandwell Council declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.
