You may not choose a friend of the previous owner, one who you determine to have been a bit of a crook, especially when that person has a conviction for Drugs and Money Laundering. Even if you did, once he got beaten-up as a result of his past dealings (recent past), you may think twice?
Devils advocate here, what if it was the only way You would get your money back that you have been owed. A large amount of money too we are not talking £50 are we. We seen in court exactly how much money Power tried to con Clem out of.