A 21-year-old man waiting for a Glasgow train was jailed after police found £38,000 in his rucksack at Preston station.
This happened at Preston station. Officers noticed Han Van Vu seemed lost. It was Wednesday, May 15th last year. They went to talk with him. Police used a phone interpreter (Vietnamese).
Vu said he was visiting a Glasgow friend. He claimed the backpack wasn’t his. Vu seemed very anxious as he spoke. The officers then searched the rucksack. Inside, they saw a gift bag. It was white and green paper. The bag held two cash bundles.
More money was under it. The total amount came to £38,045. Police arrested Vu. He was suspected of having criminal money. A trial took three days.
It happened at Preston Crown Court. The date was October 31st last year. He was convicted of money laundering. Vu received a one-year jail sentence. This sentencing occurred on February 11th.
PC Andy Margerison investigated the case. He said money laundering has victims. The money often comes from crimes. Drug dealing and exploitation are examples.
Police aim to stop illegal groups. These groups use trains for crime. They transport drugs and illegal money too. Report any concerns to the police. Text them at 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.
Police take these reports seriously. They work hard to catch offenders. Vu is an example of someone they caught.