Man arrested on suspicion of money smuggling in Kent
He was detained while on his way to Albania
Police investigating allegations of criminal cash smuggling between the UK and Albania have arrested a man in Dover.
National Crime Agency officers seized around £200,000 in cash found in the Albanian national's vehicle on Saturday (April 13th).
The NCA have said the vehicle was alleged to be on have been on its way to Albania when it was stopped.
Two other men, aged 34 and 22, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested at addresses in Tottenham Hale in London, and around £150,000 in cash was seized from a second vehicle.
The arrests form part of a two-year investigation into an organised crime group, which the NCA believes to be transferring illicit cash out of the country under the guise of a courier service.
The investigation began in February 2022 after Border Force stopped the 48-year-old at the outbound Channel Tunnel controls at Folkestone.
On that occasion, inside his Mercedes Sprinter van – which was bound for Tirana – officers found a total of £390,000 wrapped in various tin foil packages.
The suspect’s home in Haringey, London, was searched and officers discovered a further £150,000 in cash.
The 34-year-old was previously arrested in September 2022 when officers discovered in excess of £20,000 in his car.
In August 2023, a further £43,980 was seized which was believed to be destined to be transported by the group.
NCA operations manager Paul Orchard said:
"Money launderers enable other serious and organised criminals – such as drugs and firearms dealers - to commit their horrendous offences which so badly damage our society.
"Degrading OCGs’ ability to wash their money is a priority for the NCA in its mission to protect the public.
"The purpose of organised crime is to make money, so by going after it and those who launder it, we are targeting the heart of the criminal business model."
Both men remained under investigation until they were arrested again on Saturday. They have since been released on conditional bail.
The 22-year-old man and 17-year-old boy were released under investigation pending further enquires.