A motorist who claimed a relative known only as Superman gave him 21,300 Euros to transport abroad has been ordered to forfeit the cash.
Gica Rostas and his wife Marcella were stopped at the Channel Tunnel in May 2020 and found in possession of bundles of banknotes that they were unable to explain.
Mr Rostas was arrested and told Kent Police officers in interview that a family member he knew only as Superman had received an insurance payout following a car accident, and he had given him the money so he could visit another relative in Romania.
He later admitted it was a lie and claimed it had actually come from the sale of a house in 2008.
A total of around £30,000 cash was seized from the couple’s vehicle, including 21,300 Euros found in Mrs Rostas’ handbag and £10,300 in the lining of a picnic basket.
The money was seized and retained whilst an investigation was carried out, with neither individual able to prove it had been earned through legitimate means.
Mr Rostas, 45, and Mrs Rostas, 46, from Luton, Bedfordshire, were both charged with money laundering offences but the jury in their trial at Maidstone Crown Court in October 2023 was discharged following legal arguments and no re-trial was arranged.
Financial investigators from Kent Police continued with a civil case using legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and on Friday 22 November 2024 a forfeiture order in respect of the seized cash was granted following a hearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court.
Detective Inspector David Godfrey said: ‘Whilst Mr and Mrs Rostas were never convicted of committing any criminal offences, they were unable to provide a reasonable explanation as to why they were attempting to leave the UK with so much money in their possession.
‘The best excuse Mr Rostas could come up with at short notice was that a relative known only as Superman had given it to him, which he later admitted was a lie.
‘The Proceeds of Crime Act allows officers to seize cash and goods when they are not satisfied with the explanation provided, pending further enquiries by our highly-skilled team of financial investigators. Such action allows us to prevent people making a living from illegal activity and potentially helping to fund other types of serious and organised criminality.’
