€500,000 cash seized at docks

Border Force officers are investigating after around €500,000 in cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act at Dover.

The money was discovered on 3 October when a British-registered van was intercepted at Dover's Eastern Docks as it was heading for a ferry to France. Officers searched the van and found the cash concealed behind panelling in the rear of the vehicle.

Today (Thursday 4 October 2012) Folkestone Magistrates granted a detention of four months to allow investigations to continue into the cash seized.

Two men from Liverpool have been bailed and enquiries by Border Force are continuing.

Border Force officers have the power to seize cash in order to recover the proceeds of criminal activity without requiring a criminal conviction. Individuals whose money is seized will only have it returned if they can provide proof to a court that the money came from a legitimate source.

Paul Morgan, Director Border Force South East & Europe, said: "Where our officers suspect that cash may be linked with criminal activity, we have the power to seize it and it will only be handed back if it is later shown to be legitimate.

"We are working hard to prevent drugs, contraband, illegal immigrants or the proceeds of crime from crossing our border."

Anyone with information about suspected smuggling can call the Border Force hotline on 0800 59 5000.