Money Launderer Forced to Hand Over £927,000 in Precious Metals Found in Hotel Raid
A convicted money launderer has been slapped with a massive £927,000 confiscation order after detectives uncovered a fortune in gold, silver, and designer watches stashed in his hotel room.
Luxury Loot Discovered in London Hotel
Stephen Burton, 55, was snared by officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate during a manhunt linked to a wanted suspect from Tunbridge Wells. When cops raided his London hotel room on 14 February 2019, they uncovered a staggering haul including:
- Gold bars, Krugerrand coins and other precious metals worth £742,544
- Silver coins valued at £8,460
- £53,403 in cash, plus €14,120 in euros
- Five designer watches worth a combined £110,000
- 500 lottery tickets
- Two passports in Burton’s name but with different birthdates and countries
- Several forged ID documents
Arrest and Sentencing
Burton, formerly from Frieth Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, was arrested on suspicion he bought the luxury items to hide proceeds from crime. He later admitted money laundering and possession of false identity documents.
On 6 September 2019 at Isleworth Crown Court, London, Burton was sentenced to three years and 360 days behind bars. Then, on 30 October, the court handed down a confiscation order for almost £928,000 and approved the seizure of the fake IDs under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Serious Crime Prevention Order and Police Comments
Burton was also hit with a Serious Crime Prevention Order, imposing strict conditions to stop him from reoffending once he’s out.
“Law-abiding members of the public do not carry almost £1 million worth of precious metals around with them,” said Detective Inspector James Derham. “Thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act, the items seized in February will never be returned. Burton will have to earn an honest living and will be closely watched after prison under his Prevention Order.”
This stunning bust shows law enforcement cracking down on cash criminals hiding wealth in gold and glamour.
