Fake £1 Million Cash Bust Rocks East London!
Emil Bogdan Savastru, 31, with no fixed address, has been found guilty of holding a stash of fake banknotes after a trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He’s set to be sentenced on 10 February 2022.
Million-Pound Fake Note Haul Uncovered
On 30 January 2020, Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command raided a property on Shetland Road, E3. Inside, officers discovered huge suitcases stuffed with counterfeit £50 notes and 200 euro bills – with a street value of £1 million.
Arrest at Heathrow Airport
The fakes were handed to the Bank of England, who confirmed the notes were fake. That same day, Savastru was nabbed at Heathrow Airport while waiting to jet off to Japan. Documents found at the scene linked him directly to the crime.
Cop’s Warning: Counterfeit Cash Damages UK Economy
“Our proactive operation means we have been able to take a significant quantity of counterfeit notes out of circulation,” said Detective Constable Andrew Payne.
“Without a doubt, these notes would have been used to commit further crimes across the UK.”
“Counterfeit currency harms the economy and hits businesses hard. We won’t hesitate to go after anyone involved in this crime.”
Savastru refused to explain where he got the fake cash or what he planned to do with it, sealing his fate in court.
