A rogue trader who was previously sentenced to three years’ imprisonment following a major Barking and Dagenham Council Trading Standards investigation has been ordered to repay more than £188,000 to his victims under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
On 25 September 2026, Aaron Taylor, of Toddington, Bedfordshire, received a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order totalling £188,552.04 following his conviction for fraudulent trading offences. Once recovered, the money will be distributed among six victims as compensation. The court also awarded costs of £31,823.65 to Barking and Dagenham Council.
The confiscation order follows Taylor’s conviction in January 2026, when he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after a lengthy Trading Standards investigation uncovered fraudulent trading practices that targeted vulnerable residents.
Over a two‑year period, Taylor - described as a cowboy builder in court - took on six building jobs across the region. After securing payment from residents, he repeatedly increased costs before walking away having completed little or no work. Victims were left thousands of pounds out of pocket, facing large repair bills and, in some cases, unsafe homes.
The confiscation proceedings were complicated and protracted after Taylor absconded overseas during the legal process, with no indication that he intends to return to the UK. Despite his absence, the council continued to pursue the recovery of criminal assets on behalf of victims.
Should Taylor return to the UK, he will be arrested at the border and required to serve his three-year prison sentence. The court also imposed a 12-month default prison sentence, in addition to the original three-year sentence, which will be activated should he fail to pay the confiscation order within three months.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “This confiscation order is an important step in securing justice for the victims of Aaron Taylor’s crimes. While it cannot undo the distress and financial loss caused, we are pleased that more than £188,000 will be returned to those affected.
“This case shows that we will continue to pursue rogue traders and use every legal power available to recover money gained through criminal activity. We remain committed to holding offenders to account and protecting residents from fraud and exploitation.”
Residents concerned about rogue traders or fraudulent trading practices can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk for advice and support.