Courts seize £16,000 from money launderer who had £384,720 in bags

A MAN who helped to front a huge money-laundering operation has been stripped of £16,000 of criminal profits.

Mohammad Ahmad, 59, is serving a four-year jail term for his part in the scheme, which used a travel agency in Glasgow to send 2.5 million of dirty drugs money to Pakistan, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Customs officers were tipped off in 2003 by staff at the National Westminster Bank who were puzzled by large sums being handed over by employees of Makkah Travel, of Kenmure Street, Pollokshields.

An investigation identified Ahmad, of Great Western Road, Glasgow, and a co-accused, Zohaib Assad, 26, of Darnley, Glasgow.

A search of Assad's home revealed 384,720 in two holdalls. The notes were heavily contaminated with heroin. Both men were convicted after a trial of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

It was said Assad's father had run the travel business from Pakistan and that he was the "main player" in the money- laundering.

Assad was jailed for seven years and Ahmad received a six-year term. Assad died before an appeal could be heard while Ahmad had his sentence cut.