An East Clare businessman who had over 45 thousand euro in cash seized from him at Stansted Airport has failed in his bid to have the money returned.
At Chelmsford Magistrate’s Court this week the 44 year old who owns the takeaway "An Teach Bia" in Tulla had argued it was cash earning he had saved over six years but his was dismised by the magistrates.
Morocan National Lahoucine Bguiguir was stopped by UK Border Force Officers last October as he transfered through Standsted from Shannon Airport on his way to Morrocco .
The 44 year old who owns An Teach Bia in Tulla initialy told officers that the only cash he had was in his wallet but a subsequent search of his luggage uncovered five envelopes containing 45, thousand 500 euro in notes.
The money was detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Lahoucine Bguiguir subsequently claimed responsibility for 40,000 euros, with the remainder claimed by fellow Moroccan national Ali Sou-eeih, his business partner in the takeaway.
The matter was back before the UK courts this this week where Mr Bguiguir claimed the money wa cahs earnings saved over six years – but this was rejected by the magiesrates
Peter Avery, from Border Force, told magistrates that the 44 year was attempting to remove the money from Ireland in a bid to evade tax and due to their actions both men have been forced to resubmit tax returns and disclose these additional earning to the Irish tax authorities.
