Cash-Loading Criminal Abdul Fahad Nabbed in Multi-Million Pound Laundering Scheme
Abdul Fahad, 41, from Ilford, was busted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in 2018 after officers found over £100,000 stuffed in his car. The cash stash grew when detectives uncovered more at his home, alongside evidence of suspicious trips to the UAE.
Suspect Linked to Jailed Money Launderer
Fahad claimed the cash came from life savings, property sales, and stocks, insisting he was a car dealer wanting to buy a vehicle. But the NCA dug deeper. They found him in regular contact with Sathar Khan, a money launderer jailed in 2018 for trying to fly to Dubai with £1.5 million in suitcases.
Recovered messages exposed a detailed travel schedule between Fahad and Khan. Between 2017-2018, the duo made almost 200 return flights to Dubai, often returning with lighter luggage, an NCA estimate suggests Fahad smuggled out 379 kilos of cash worth around £5 million.
Two-Man Laundering Operation Could Have Moved £50 Million
Text messages also showed Fahad recruiting another cash courier, pleading, “Giv me some work too… so I can earn too.” He and Khan planned sending two couriers daily in mid-2018. Experts reckon if successful, this could have moved up to £50 million out of the UK.
Fahad Fled After Guilty Plea – Now On The Run
Fahad pleaded guilty to three money laundering charges at Southwark Crown Court in September but skipped bail. He was sentenced to eight years in prison in absentia on 16 December.
Jason Hulme, NCA Operations Manager: “Fahad was at the heart of a multi-million-pound laundering conspiracy moving cash linked to serious and organised crime both here and internationally. We are seeking information on his whereabouts — we believe he may be in East London, particularly Ilford or East Ham, with connections to Dubai and Sri Lanka.”
The NCA urges anyone with info to call their Control Centre on 0370 496 7622 quoting Operation Blissless or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
