Dublin ex-cop busted for smuggling millions in cash on hundreds of flights jailed for 20 months
Cash Courier Caught Red-Handed
Mark Adams, a former Dublin Airport policeman, has been sentenced to 20 months behind bars after being caught smuggling over £160,000 in cash disguised as legal documents. The National Crime Agency (NCA) launched their investigation in May 2018 when Border Force stopped Adams at Belfast International Airport about to board a flight to Alicante.
In his hand luggage, officers found two folders stuffed with more than €180,000, cleverly hidden to look like privileged paperwork. Adams claimed he was heading to a wedding, but the NCA quickly uncovered he was booked on a return flight just 80 minutes after arrival—raising red flags.
Serial Cash Smuggler Took Nearly 500 Flights
Further digging revealed Adams had taken almost 500 flights in and out of the UK over five years, often returning just hours after landing. Despite being released on bail, he disappeared and a European Arrest Warrant was issued.
It later emerged Adams had been arrested by Irish authorities, charged with four counts of money laundering—including an attempt to smuggle €500,000 out of Dublin Airport in 2015. He was sentenced to five years in jail in Ireland.
In August 2021, while still serving his Irish sentence, Adams was handed over to NCA officers near Newry and appeared before Antrim Magistrates, charged with crimes in Northern Ireland.
Law Enforcement Hits Back at Organised Crime
“Mark Adams was clearly a serial money launderer on both sides of the Irish border, and as a former policeman he would have been well aware that what he was doing was wrong,” said David Cunningham, NCA Belfast Branch Commander.
“Each trip likely involved tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros, with Adams potentially laundering millions over time.”
Darren Brabon, Interim Assistant Director for Northern Ireland Border Force, praised the teamwork behind the arrest and sentencing:
“Clamping down on undeclared cash leaving the UK is vital in tackling organised crime. This conviction is the result of dedication by Border Force, the NCA, and partners in the Republic of Ireland.”
A spokesperson from the Public Prosecution Service added:
“Crimes like these cross borders, and this conviction sends a strong message that agencies will work together to bring money launderers to justice.”
