Peterborough man jailed after selling high value car in breach of court order

Andrei Tsikheyenka, 37, of Aubretia Avenue, Peterborough, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment after failing to comply with a restraining order relating to his assets, while an investigation was underway.

Following an investigation by Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU)’s Financial Investigations Team, a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Restraint Order was made in August 2019 restricting Tsikheyenka’s use of his assets.

These included cash in a restrained bank account, a house estimated to be worth £200,000, two BMW vehicles, and a jet ski.

Despite the Order, he ignored the ruling by opening and using other bank accounts and selling a high value car without informing the court.

At Cambridge Crown Court hearing on Tuesday, 4 November, he was held in contempt of court, with the judge commenting that the only way Tsikheyenka would be deterred was a via period of imprisonment.

Financial Investigation Manager Leanne Middleton said: “The purpose of restraint orders is to allow investigators to protect the assets of potential criminals to ensure they don’t move or sell these while a criminal case is developing against them.

“POCA legislation helps us to compensate victims of crime and the guidelines are very clear. There’s no doubt that Tsikheyenka was fully aware his actions were in breach of the Order and he will now face an extended period in jail.

“We’ll continue to use POCA legislation to support our investigations and ensure criminals and those suspected of being involved in criminality pay for their illicit activities.”

The investigation against Andrei Tsikheyenka is ongoing.