Two Indian-origin men have been jailed for their alleged involvement in a multi-million pound money laundering scam following an operation by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
Officials said 34-year-old Amin Surani was arrested as he collected £ 50,000 from co-conspirator Surinder Rahela at a barber’s shop in The Green, Southall, on May 9.
Another £ 10,000 was found in Surani’s possession, while a search of his home address uncovered a further £ 100,000 besides a diary detailing his other dealings.
NCA branch commander Jacque Beer said, “The ability to launder the proceeds of their crimes is a pre-requisite for those involved in sophisticated criminal activity. Surani was a prolific money launderer and acted as a collector for other criminal networks.”
“Our investigation showed that in the four months prior to his arrest around £ 4.5 million had passed through his operation. It is likely that much of this money was linked to drug trafficking,” Beer added.
After a two-week trial at the Old Bailey, Surani was found guilty on two counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison and faces deportation to India at the end of his sentence.
Rahela, 61, was found guilty of one count on money laundering and jailed for 18 months.
{{/usCountry}}Rahela, 61, was found guilty of one count on money laundering and jailed for 18 months.
{{/usCountry}}“This successful prosecution will send a clear message to those involved in such activities that the NCA is both capable and determined to frustrate their plans and bring them to book,” Beer added.