A Pendlebury man has been sentenced for money laundering after almost £73,000 of criminal cash was found hidden in shoe boxes in his van.
Mark Carroll, 35, a self-employed electrician, of Kingsway, Pendlebury, was arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers in Rusholme in July 2015 after his van was searched and the money seized.
Carroll refused to explain where the cash came from, however his phone records revealed text messages, just before his arrest, referring to large quantities of cash.
Richard Wentel, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:
“Attempts to launder the proceeds of crime are treated very seriously by HMRC and we will relentlessly pursue those believed to be involved. I would urge anyone who has information about this type of activity to call our 24-hour Hotline on 0800 59 5000 and help us to take the profit out crime.”
At two Proceeds of Crime hearings in July and November 2015, the cash was detained and then forfeited at the Crown uncontested.
In May 2016, Carroll pleaded guilty to money laundering on the day of his arrest and was sentenced to 20 weeks jail suspended for two years on Friday 8 July at Manchester Crown Court. He was also issued with a 200-hour community work order, and has to pay the court costs and a victim surcharge of £425.
