A 48-year-old man has been charged with money laundering after Border Force officers seized £1 million in cash hidden in suitcases at Heathrow Airport.
Mazen Al Shaar, from Hayes, Middlesex, was stopped by officials on Saturday as he attempted to board a flight to Beirut.
Al Shaar appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Monday where his bail application was refused. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on 17 April for a pre-trial plea hearing.
Andy Noyes, NCA branch commander, said: "So many of the serious and organised crime threats facing the UK are driven by offenders' desire for money.
"This detection of £1m was because of brilliant work by Border Force officers which has now sparked our investigation."
A Home Office spokesperson added: "This seizure highlights Border Force's dedicated efforts to protect our borders and keep the public safe. Our officers are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and identify attempts to move illicit cash and other prohibited items across our borders.
"We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the NCA to disrupt criminal networks."
