ALMOST a quarter of a million pounds has been seized from a convicted money launderer.
Magistrates ordered Thomas Bailey, 30, forfeit £210,000.
It is the largest amount of cash Northumbria Police have had seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Bailey, of Falstaff Road, North Shields, was convicted of three counts of money laundering and sentenced to three years in prison in September.
Cash and two cars were seized by officers from Northumbria Police on October 11, during raids on several properties across North Tyneside.
Steve Forster, a police financial investigator, said: "This is the largest amount of cash that Northumbria Police have been able to retain under the Proceeds of Crime Act to date.
"It sends a clear message to criminals that not only will our investigations provide evidence which allows the courts to take away your liberty, we will also pursue you for the fruits of your criminal activities.
"We are very pleased that this cash seized on suspicion as being the proceeds of criminal activities has now been retained by police.
"This sends a clear message to criminals that both they and their assets are not beyond the law."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article