The combined actions of the UK NCA, Border Force, and UAE authorities result in the conviction of a criminal network carrying over £100 million in unlawful currency.

Three members of a criminal network involved in smuggling over £100 million in illicit cash from the UK to the UAE have been found guilty of money laundering, bringing the total number of convictions to 14. The National Crime Agency (NCA) led the investigation, resulting in convictions for Samantha Horst, Craig Bramall, and Bridget Taylor. The network, overseen by Abdullah Alfalasi, made 83 trips from London to Dubai between November 2019 and October 2020.

Adrian Searle, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre, highlighted that such money laundering facilitates organized crime and corrupt elites in hiding their illegally-obtained wealth. The convicted couriers were paid £3,000 per trip, communicated on WhatsApp groups, and used business class flights. The money, believed to be proceeds from drug dealing, was collected across the UK, processed in counting houses in Central London, and transported in suitcases, each containing around £500,000.

The NCA investigation, supported by Border Force and UAE authorities, is described as one of the most significant in recent years. Eleven other couriers were previously convicted, and some British couriers are under investigation in the UAE. The couriers are due to be sentenced on February 22, 2024. The case underscores the need for international collaboration to combat transnational organized crime and prevent the proceeds of illegal activities from being hidden.

SOURCE: NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY UK | DECEMBER 04 2023