On Saturday 18 May 2024, a car was stopped during routine security procedures by Border Force officials on the UK side of the port in Folkestone. 

The vehicle was searched and a large amount of cash, the origin of which could not be confirmed, was seized.

A referral was made to Kent Police and the three occupants of the vehicle were detained for further questioning by officers from the force’s Border Investigation Unit.

On Monday 20 May, Osman Ozturk, of Chard, Somerset; Murat Bingol, of Hampstead, North London and Erdal Temel, of no fixed address, were all charged with concealing criminal property.

Following an initial hearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court, Mr Ozturk, 35, Mr Bingol, 50, and Mr Temel, 66, were all remanded in custody to reappear before Canterbury Crown Court on 17 June.