UK court orders detention of Nigerians’ cash
An Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in London has granted a request by the United Kingdom Border Agency to detain £500,000 (N115m) seized from two Nigerians at Heathrow Airport on October 20.
Officials of the UKBA had seized the sum from both men, a father and his son, as they flew into London from Paris, France. The men claimed that they were traders in wine, spirits and cosmetics and were going to use the cash, which they were carrying in their hand luggage, to buy supplies for their business.
Officers from the UK Border Agency discovered the money, which was in €500 notes and US$100 bills, when the pair were stopped as they arrived on the flight. But they were not arrested.
But, a statement by Political and Press Secretary, British High Commission, Abuja, Hooman Nouruzi, on Thursday said the court granted an order to hold the cash for a further four months pending the conclusion of investigation.
The Serious Organised Crime Agency had earlier this year announced that the €500 note would no longer be available over the counter in the UK after evidence showed over 90 per cent of UK demand was linked to criminality.
The statement added that the money was detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act and would only be returned if they can provide proof that it came from a legitimate source.
It added, “UK Border Agency officers have powers to detain any amount of cash that is declared or that they suspect is the proceeds of crime using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, this applies to travellers departing or arriving from EU and non-EU destinations.”
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101029347575
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