A 31-year-old man is facing jail after police found more than £1million in counterfeit notes stashed in suitcases in his flat.
In January 2013, detectives with the Met’s Specialist Crime Command searched Emil Bogdan Savastru’s Bow home, east London.
During their search, they found a bag with hundreds of what appeared to be £50 and 200 euro notes stuffed in large cases.
The Bank of England received the note from officers and examined it.
In January 2013, detectives with the Met’s Specialist Crime Command raided Emil Bogan Savastru’s Bow home, east London.
During their search, they found a bag with hundreds of what appeared to be £50 and 200 euro notes stuffed in large cases
Officers gave the bank the note and they confirmed that it was fake.
Savastru, who was waiting for a plane to Japan on the day before, was also arrested at London Heathrow Airport. He had been carrying documents that linked him to the crime.
He refused to answer questions about the contents of his notes, their origin, and what he planned to do with them.
This week, a jury found Savastru guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of one count for having custody or control over a counterfeit note.
Andrew Payne Detective, the lead investigator, stated that he was able to remove a substantial amount of counterfeit money from circulation through his proactive operation.
These notes were used, without a doubt to commit more crimes in the UK.
“This case was won by the Bank of England and Met, which made it clear that Savastru was guilty of these crimes.
“Counterfeit currency” in the UK is a serious problem for the economy. It can also have a significant effect on the businesses that are able to take it without knowing. We will pursue those who engage in such criminal acts, as this case demonstrates.
Savastru’s sentence will be delivered at the same court, on February 10.