COPS KEEP £22,000 FOUND ON MAN ON HIS WAY TO TURKEY

A  mechanic arrested on his way to Turkey with more than £22,000 has forfeited the cash.

Huseyin Boran, 23, was caught with wads of notes in a holdall at Heathrow airport after already telling airport staff he was not carrying any money.

He then said he had earned the cash ‘working as a freelance mechanic,’ Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court heard.

Judge Mike Snow said: ‘On 29 May 2015, Mr Boran had been trying to board a flight to Turkey from Heathrow airport that was one way.

‘He had bought the ticket for his flight on the day, which is unusual as they are much cheaper to book in advance.

‘He also had a brand new passport.

The fact that he was travelling to Turkey, where Syria is one flight away adds to the likelihood of unlawful activity.

‘He had been asked if he was carrying cash, and lied about doing so.

‘He had a holdall which contained £22,430 which he had checked into the holdall luggage.

‘This raises three questions; one why would carry cash at all as could lose it, why carry the cash in a holdall and why would you not carry it in onto the plane and put it overhead luggage?

‘When asked about the cash he said he didn’t think his bag would be checked.

‘He then told officer he had earned the money working as a cash-in-hand motor mechanic.’

The court the money was seized, and officers then began to investigate.

‘The only legitimate income they could find was a period of being on job seekers allowance,’ the judge added.

The court then heard about the documents previously provided by Boran to explain the money.

Mr Snow said: ‘At a case management hearing Mr Boran brought in a number of photocopies of documents.

‘They were not corroborated by any of the people who signed them.

‘One said ‘I loan £15,000 to Mr Boran which he will repay to me’.

‘It didn’t say why he loaned it, it didn’t say what the money was for, terms of the loan, or any other explanation.

‘Second was a statement he had signed on his behalf, which is entirely worthless.

‘Then there was a sale of a car which is so iffy I place no reliance on it.

He added: ‘None of these stand up to any examination.’

Judge Snow said Boran’s actions and his record gave the impression he was involved in drug dealing.

He said: ‘He was linked to a gang with the colourful name of Chico.

‘He has been seen wearing a bulletproof vest, which is associated with drug dealers, and has also been stabbed several times in the arm.

‘He has no convictions for this because he’s probably an intelligent drug dealer.’

Mr Snow ordered the seized cash to be forfeited.

Boran, of Russell Court, Kings Close, Leyton, did not attend and was ordered to forfeit the seized terrorist cash.
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