Redbridge Council moves to recover £167,000 from convicted rogue trader

Published: 26 October 2026 A composite image illustrating action against rogue traders. The central image shows a person in handcuffs being escorted by an enforcement officer.

Redbridge Council is continuing its efforts to recover money obtained through fraud after a court ordered convicted fraudster Austin Eusden to repay more than £167,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

The confiscation order follows the successful prosecution of Austin Eusden, who was sentenced last year after a major investigation by Redbridge Council's Trading Standards Team uncovered a rogue trading and money laundering operation that targeted elderly and vulnerable residents.

Between 2019 and 2021, Eusden, his brother William Eusden and accomplice William Eastwood, defrauded Redbridge homeowners out of at least £174,000 by carrying out unnecessary and grossly overpriced building work. The offenders targeted residents at their homes, claiming urgent repairs were needed before pressuring them into paying for costly work that was often substandard or unnecessary.

Following a detailed investigation by Redbridge Council's Trading Standards Team, supported by National Trading Standards, the three men were successfully prosecuted at Snaresbrook Crown Court in October 2025.

The Council's Counter Fraud Team then took action to ensure Eusden could not retain the proceeds of his crimes. Working under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Council's accredited Financial Investigator carried out extensive financial enquiries and successfully secured a confiscation order requiring Eusden to repay more than £167,000.

As part of the investigation, the Financial Investigator identified approximately £101,000 held in Austin Eusden's bank accounts and worked with banks to secure freezing orders, preventing the funds from being moved or spent. The Council is now progressing the legal process to recover the money, with the aim of returning as much as possible to the victims of the fraud.

The remaining £66,000 remains payable under the confiscation order and can be recovered in the future should Eusden acquire further assets or income.

Cllr Sunny Brar, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Cohesion, said: "These offenders deliberately targeted vulnerable residents and caused significant financial harm. While securing convictions was an important milestone, our work did not stop there. Through the expertise of our Counter Fraud Team, we have continued to pursue the proceeds of these crimes and prevent rogue traders from benefiting financially from their actions.

"By identifying and freezing significant funds, our officers have taken an important step towards securing justice for victims. We will continue to use every available power to recover the outstanding money and hold offenders fully accountable for their actions."

Residents can help protect themselves by:

  • Always obtaining written quotes before agreeing to home repairs.
  • Checking the credentials and reputation of any business offering services.
  • Seeking a second opinion before agreeing to expensive work.
  • Never feeling pressured into making an immediate decision.
  • Being cautious of unsolicited callers claiming urgent repairs are needed.

If you believe you have been the victim of a rogue trader, scam or fraud, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Anyone who believes a crime is taking place should call 999, while non-emergency matters can be reported via 101