£1.7m Tax Row: Will Lord Aleem Be Charged?

It’s now been several months since a high-profile police and tax raid targeted a luxury car hire firm on Coventry Road, Birmingham — believed to be associated with social media influencer and businessman Lord Aleem. On the day of the raid, uniformed officers and HMRC agents were filmed removing high-end vehicles, including a white £130,000 G-Wagon, from the site. The action was part of a joint operation to recover £1.7 million in unpaid taxes and penalties.

At the time, the operation drew significant public interest, especially given the online fame of Lord Aleem, real name Aleem Iqbal. Known for flaunting luxury cars and offering lifestyle advice from a polished social media persona, Aleem’s image appeared at odds with the serious financial allegations now circling the business.

Aleem’s interaction with the media, particularly social media and podcasts aimed at young men, invites comparisons to another controversial figure, Andrew Tate. Likewise known for his social media persona, Aleem’s family history including Saleem’s conviction for perverting justice and involvement in a money laundering network related to drugs gangs, remains omitted from their public narrative, raising concerns about media oversight. However, it is important to note that while Aleem has faced driving offences, no major charges have been made against either him or his father in the past decade. However, while Aleem remains in the public eye, including through his recent Dubai Super Yacht collaboration video with Andrew Tate, he has yet to address the £1.7m tax investigation. In the absence of updates, speculation has filled the void — online forums and comment sections now host a mix of legitimate questions, wild rumours, and in some cases, misguided claims of victimhood or bias. Questions arise, over how certain figures are shielded from scrutiny. In the aftermath of the Manchester Airport incident involving Muhammad Amaad, 25, and Mohammed Amaaz, 20, the two brothers charged with assaulting armed police officers, Akhmed Yakoob — a solicitor and social media personality known as the “TikTok lawyer” — made multiple public comments supporting the brothers. He accused officers of “attempted murder” and initially represented the family, before being rapidly dropped from the case.

Might another figure step in? Ayoub Khan, the Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, has been at the centre of recent controversy. He has questioned the veracity of the October 7th massacre and described the grooming gangs scandal as a “right-wing narrative” designed to sow division.