A former high-ranking Scotland Yard officer has initiated a private criminal investigation targeting billionaire landlord Asif Aziz, following numerous complaints from residents of an upscale Mayfair apartment block.
Tarique Ghaffur CBE, a former commander at Scotland Yard, confirmed he is investigating Aziz—dubbed “Mr Mayfair”—whose company, Parkgate Aspen, manages Fountain House, a luxury complex of around 80 flats near the Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane. The building is located in a prestigious area, with Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan and the Sharif family among its well-known neighbours.
Ghaffur stated, “We are conducting a criminal investigation into Fountain House concerning various issues involving Asif Aziz, his management company, and associates. The inquiry stems from numerous leaseholder complaints and evidence we have reviewed. Given the severity of the concerns, we believe a criminal investigation is warranted and have begun gathering evidence to present to the authorities.”
Residents—many of whom are millionaires—have raised concerns over service charges and inadequate property management. Several have also taken civil action against Parkgate Aspen.
Aziz, who operates the Aziz Foundation and controls a vast London property empire, has previously been the subject of controversy. He has faced criticism for acquiring community properties, including pubs and nurseries, via offshore companies and converting them into high-end housing. In 2020, The Times questioned whether he was “the meanest landlord in Britain” over his treatment of tenants during the pandemic.
In 2017, Aziz argued in court that his wife was not entitled to a share of his then-£1.1bn fortune, claiming they were never legally married—despite having four children together. A settlement was later reached.
More recently, Aziz’s firm Criterion Capital came under fire when the Prince Charles Cinema launched a public campaign, accusing its landlord Zedwell LSQ Ltd (owned by Criterion) of imposing an unreasonable rent hike and an aggressive lease clause. The campaign quickly gathered over 115,000 signatures.
In 2025, reports emerged of serious maintenance issues, including vermin infestations, in properties under Aziz’s “Dstrkt” housing brand—despite rising rent prices. Additionally, Aziz reportedly paid £150,000 to settle claims that he illegally operated a Forrest Gump-themed shrimp restaurant at Piccadilly Circus without a proper license.
