Private property seizures done by police are controversial to say the least, and we expect a case involving a man driving an Audi for the border while carrying about $400,000 USD in the vehicle to divide opinions.
Learn how vehicle seizures could possibly be abused in the future.
The case, which comes out of the UK, involves the man allegedly making a run for the Irish border while driving an unspecified black Audi with between £300,000 and £400,000 stuffed inside. When police tried stopping the vehicle for a reason that isn’t stated in a BBC report on the incident, the driver fled on the wrong side of the road (what we in America call the right side).
This happened during rush hour on September 16 with the suspect reportedly going upwards of 109 mph against traffic. That’s definitely reckless and should indicate the guy had a reason to not stop for law enforcement.
He also allegedly threw a phone out the window during the chase, but police recovered it.
After a pursuit, three officers in their squad cars were able to box the Audi in, forcing the driver to stop. Taking the driver into custody, they searched the vehicle and found another phone and two bags filled with the cash.
In the suspect’s pocket was a note which simply read “389,740.” It’s not too far of a leap to guess that number was the exact amount in bills stuffed into those bags. Exactly why he had the cash, where it came from, and why he was attempting to transport it across the Irish border isn’t clear.
He’s now facing not only the seizure of the Audi and cash but criminal charges of possessing criminal property; dangerous driving; failing to stop for police; and entering an arrangement which facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property on behalf of another person.
Reportedly, the suspect’s attorney says his client was “under duress.” The man himself only spoke in a court hearing to provide his name and age as well as indicate he understands the charges he’s facing.
What do you think this suspect was doing running from the police while carrying so much cash?
Image via Ialesh aldarwish/Pexels
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