A man has been jailed for money laundering after being caught with £38,000 as he waited on a train to Glasgow
Han Van Vu, 21, was observed at Preston station “appearing lost and confused” by British Transport Police officers on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The officers approached him and used a mobile phone to interpret Vietnamese, and Vu explained that he was travelling to Glasgow to see a friend and the rucksack he was carrying belonged to the pal.
However, he became increasingly nervous which led to officers carrying out a search of the rucksack he was carrying, where they found a carrier bag inside containing two bundles of cash inside.
The amount recovered totalled £38,045 and Vu was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.
He was found guilty of money laundering at Preston Crown Court last year following a three day trial and was jailed for one year on Tuesday, February 11.
Investigating officer PC Andy Margerison said: “A common misconception is that money laundering is a victimless crime but the cash involved often originates from criminal activity such as drug dealing and exploitation.
“We will not waver in our mission to intercept, disrupt and dismantle illegal enterprises who use the railway to move criminal gains and drugs across the country.
“We urge anyone using the rail network to report any concerns to us through our discreet text number 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40
“We take these reports seriously and work tirelessly to bring offenders like Vu before the courts.”