Police seize 'unexplained' £67k

A man has been ordered to forfeit more than £67,000 because he could not prove where the money came from.

Police found the cash at his house in Sandfields, Port Talbot, after reports of an attempted burglary there.

He was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and although never charged police have successfully applied to the courts for a confiscation order.

The man, who has not been named, said he saved up some of the money and made the rest selling military memorabilia.

But police instigated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) as he could not provide any legitimate source for the money.

A forfeiture hearing was held at Neath Magistrates Court on Friday.

Police said checks were made with HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and Neath Port Talbot council which further proved the cash was not earned legitimately.

Det Con Phil Davies, financial investigator for the division, said: "The onus was on the respondent to provide a lawful origin of the cash found in his possession.

"A legitimate source was not found and the cash was subsequently forfeited.

"Specific criminal conduct need not be proved.

"It is enough to show that the cash is probably related to one of a number of kinds of activity, any one of which would have been unlawful, for example, cheating the revenue, trading in counterfeit goods, drug supply or falsely claiming state benefits."

"The public can really help us by passing on any information about people who may be making a living off ill-gotten gains.

"Generally, these people are clearly seen to spend more than their apparent disposable income. This can include owning properties, expensive cars or having a social lifestyle beyond their means."

THE BBC

Wtf?

Its mine!! He lent it from me!

Was he looking after it for a Nigerian friend?