A money launderer caught by Havering officers in a routine traffic stop has been jailed for two years and told to forfeit more than £225,000.

Augustin Rivadulla Fernandez, 40, of Weeden Road, Northampton, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday last week.

He was arrested while driving through Havering in September when officers stopped his vehicle and found a large quantity of cash in the boot, for which he had no explanation.

Det Insp Jo Van Der Waag from Havering CID said: “This was a great stop from local officers that has taken a substantial amount of money out of criminal hands.

“We will endeavour to use all lawful remedies to seize money which is believed to have been gained by criminal means.”

He was charged with possession of criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).