Hot money

Abstract

British Aerospace has established an analysis service for UK Police and Customs authorities based on its CONDOR contraband detection system. The service has been successfully used to detect drug traces in cars, buildings and on bank notes. Recent legislation in the UK allows for the confiscation of the proceeds of drug related crime. The service has been used to assist in the confiscation of large sums of money, presumably drug related, being taken out of the country. A range of drugs has been detected on suspect money, whereas money in general circulation, obtained from the Bank of England, has been shown to be free from contamination. The way in which samples are collected and analyzed, and typical results are discussed.