A man has been charged with money laundering after Border Force officers discovered £400,000 in cash hidden inside a suitcase at Heathrow Airport.

Broomand Nasab, a 41-year-old Austrian national, was apprehended on Wednesday as he attempted to board a flight to Turkey. During routine checks, Border Force officials uncovered the large sum of money packed in his luggage. An additional €11,000 (£9,100) was also found concealed in his carry-on backpack.

All the cash was seized on the spot, and Nasab was arrested at the scene.

National Crime Agency Investigation Leads to Charges

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that following an investigation, Nasab was charged with one count of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He was scheduled to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

A spokesperson for the NCA stated: "A man has been charged following a National Crime Agency investigation after £400,000 in cash was found in his suitcase as he attempted to fly out of the UK. Nearly €11,000 was also discovered in his backpack. All the money was seized."

The Proceeds of Crime Act defines money laundering as “the process by which the proceeds of crime are converted into assets which appear to have a legitimate origin, so that they can be retained permanently or recycled into further criminal enterprises.

Ongoing Efforts to Tackle Financial Crime

The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by UK authorities to clamp down on illicit financial activities, particularly at major transport hubs like Heathrow Airport.

A Border Force spokesperson said: "Stopping the illegal movement of money is a key part of tackling organized crime. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to preventing the UK from being used as a hub for criminal finances."

Nasab remains under investigation as the NCA continues to probe the source of the funds and any potential links to broader criminal networks.

Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident or suspicious financial activities to contact the National Crime Agency or Crimestoppers anonymously.

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