Couple Caught Smuggling Over £200k in Cash at Channel Tunnel
Ardian Sharra, 51, and Valbona Laloshi, 41, from Tring, were busted by the National Crime Agency after their Mercedes was stopped at Folkestone’s Channel Tunnel terminal in May 2020.
Cash Stash Discovered During Border Search
The couple, travelling with three kids, claimed they were heading to see family in Brescia, Italy. They initially told officers they had just £5,000 for dental work.
But a Border Force search revealed another £14,000 in Laloshi’s handbag — and a staggering £200,000 hidden in a rucksack and suitcase in the boot.
Bank Records Reveal Massive Undeclared Deposits
NCA investigators seized documents from their home showing dozens of large cash deposits. Over the past year, the pair deposited £110,000 — five times more than their official income.
Numerous unexplained transfers also came from overseas banks. Sharra had bought their Mercedes for £11,000 in cash just two months earlier.
Couple Plead Guilty to Money Laundering—Get Suspended Sentences
Charged with money laundering, Sharra and Laloshi initially denied the offences but changed their pleas to guilty mid-trial at canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury Crown Court on April 3.
Sharra received an 18-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of unpaid work. Laloshi got a 12-month community order plus 50 hours unpaid work.
The £200,000+ cash haul will be seized as proceeds of crime.
