Husband and Wife Accused of £5m Fraud at Top UK College

CARDIFF, Oct 7, 2026 – A husband and wife are on trial for allegedly stealing more than £5 million from Cardiff Sixth Form College, described as Britain’s best-performing A-level school.

Prosecutors told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court that Yasmin Sarwar, 48, and her then-husband Nadeem, 50, treated the college “as their own personal piggy bank.” Mark Cotter KC said: “They raided the funds that the college generated to fund their own lavish lifestyles and thereby defrauded the charity.”

Nadeem has admitted stealing £5m, while Yasmin denies nine theft and fraud charges between 2008 and 2016. The court heard she set up sham companies, Ayass Ltd and Ayass Guardianship Ltd, to siphon money overseas after her marriage soured.

Fraud

The college, founded in 2009, quickly gained international recognition, topping UK league tables with 91% of grades at A* or A in 2026. Prosecutors said Sarwar recruited family members as trustees and hired a “less rigorous accountant” to conceal the fraud.

Head of pastoral services Gareth Collier later identified a “culture of fear” and raised concerns over expenses, prompting scrutiny of the finances.

The court heard the couple, originally from Malaysia, also recruited family members to sit as trustees on the school board.

The trial continues.

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