£20,280 Cash Snatched at Dover as Couple Fail to Prove It’s Legit
£20K Cash Seized at Port of Dover
A total of £20,280 has been confiscated from a man and woman who couldn’t prove their loot was earned legally. Nicolae Mustafa, 38, and Sabina Curt, 35, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, were stopped trying to leave the UK via Dover on Thursday, 3 November 2022.
Money Confiscated Under Proceeds of Crime Act
Officers grew suspicious after questioning the pair about the cash’s origin. The money was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act as doubts lingered over its lawful source.
Serious Crime Directorate’s Financial Experts Step In
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation. After reviewing evidence, they applied to have the cash forfeited, arguing it likely stemmed from unlawful activities. Medway Magistrates’ Court approved the application on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.
Detective Warns Against Profiting from Crime
Detective Inspector David Godfrey, Economic Crime Unit, said: “Although Mustafa and Curt were never arrested or charged, they failed to convince the court their £20,280 was legitimately earned. The Proceeds of Crime Act empowers officers to seize cash and goods when evidence is lacking. This prevents criminals from funding serious organised crime through illegal cash.”
