Cash Kingpin Caught: Iranian Money Launderer Busted Over Dangerous People Smuggling
48-Year-Old Runs Illegal Money Operation
Asghar Gheshalghian, 48, was busted running an unregistered money service from an office block in East Ham back in February 2021. The National Crime Agency (NCA) cracked the case after a two-year probe uncovered a trail of evidence linking him to organised crime.
Phone Evidence Links Him to Migrant Smugglers
Investigators found phone records tying Gheshalghian to at least eight Iranian migrants who later arrived in the UK by risky boat or lorry journeys—and claimed asylum. Secret recordings captured him admitting that “70-80 per cent our 123,” confirming his grasp over these illegal payments.
£50,000 in Cash and £1.6 Million Traced
The NCA raided Gheshalghian’s business, a storage unit, and his home, seizing around £50,000 in cash. They also uncovered ledgers tracking transactions and traced about £1.6 million funnelled through his bank accounts. Undercover ITV footage from a documentary also exposed his dealings with known people smugglers.
Officials Condemn Role in Deadly Channel Crossings
“By his own admission, Asghar Gheshalghian was trusted by organised crime gangs to handle their payments and launder the money they made through organising dangerous Channel boat and lorry crossings,” said NCA Branch Commander Mark Howes.
“In doing so, he enabled their criminality and happily took a cut from the profits. Crossing the Channel illegally is extremely dangerous and has had fatal consequences recently. This is why dismantling these gangs is a top priority.”
Michael Oatley, CPS Unit Head, added: “Gheshalghian knowingly ran an illegal money service to help criminal gangs smuggle people into the UK. These gangs exploit vulnerable migrants for profit, risking their very lives.”
“This prosecution sends a strong message: the CPS and law enforcement will tirelessly work to smash these criminal networks.”
