Financial Crime World

Title: Czech National Convicted of Money Laundering after £860,000 Cash Seizure at Glasgow Airport

Arrest and Charges

  • A 42-year-old man from the Czech Republic, identified as Lukas Pokorny, pleaded guilty to money laundering offenses in a Scottish High Court on 1 February 2021.
  • Pokorny was arrested at Glasgow Airport on 8 November 2020.
  • The arrest was part of an intelligence-led investigation by Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency (NCA) into cash smuggling from the UK to Dubai.

Cash Seizure at Glasgow Airport

  • Pokorny was stopped as he prepared to board a flight to Dubai.
  • During a meticulous search of his luggage, three suitcases filled with cash totaling over £860,000 were discovered.
  • Pokorny couldn’t provide any keys to access the luggage or explain the ownership or contents.

Charges and Conviction

  • Pokorny was charged with three counts under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 by the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland).
  • He was convicted following a guilty plea at the High Court in Glasgow on 1 February 2021.

Claims by the Convicted Man

  • Pokorny claimed he was traveling to the United Arab Emirates to visit a friend.
  • He also stated that the money was intended for teaching people jet-skiing.

Comments from Law Enforcement

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan, Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland)

“We remain steadfast in targeting the movement of illicit cash and the profits of organised crime groups within Scotland. Pokorny’s arrest and conviction is a testament to the strong partnership between Organised Crime Partnership, Border Force, and NCA officers, working together to keep our communities safe.”

Gerry McLean, NCA regional head of investigations for Scotland

“This seizure represents a large amount of criminal cash, the proceeds of organised crime. By successfully preventing its export, we prevent the money from being used to fund further criminal activity, violence, or exploitation in Scotland.”

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

  • The Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) continues its efforts to combat money laundering and the flow of illicit funds.
  • Officials stress the importance of collaboration with partners such as Police Scotland, Border Force, and the NCA.