Two individuals are now facing serious legal consequences after a significant police operation led to the interception of nearly £130,000 in illicit funds on the A90, close to the Perthshire locality of Glendoick. The extensive investigation, which involved meticulous surveillance, culminated in guilty pleas at Perth Sheriff Court, highlighting the persistent efforts of law enforcement against financial crime in the region.
The events leading to the arrests began in October 2022, when police intelligence indicated an impending large-scale cash exchange within the Dundee area. Responding to this critical tip-off, law enforcement agencies swiftly deployed a dedicated surveillance team to track the movements of the suspected individuals. This operation required precise coordination to follow the targets across geographical boundaries, bringing the focus of the investigation towards the Perthshire border. The Covert Operation Unfolds
During the intricate surveillance, officers observed Alexander Glen, a 30-year-old from Dundee, as he left a block of flats on Kirk Street, Dundee. Noticing him carrying a distinct rucksack, police maintained a discreet watch as he entered his vehicle. The surveillance continued, guiding officers to Rockfield Crescent, a less conspicuous street in Dundee, where Glen eventually parked. Here, Glen, described as having his hood up and appearing to be actively scanning his surroundings, met with Lee Gilmour, 34, from Glasgow. The crucial moment of the operation occurred when the rucksack, visibly containing a substantial sum, was transferred from Glen to Gilmour. Interception Near Glendoick
Immediately following the exchange, Gilmour was seen placing the rucksack into the boot of his Mercedes-Benz before driving away. Recognising the opportunity, specialist road traffic units initiated an interception of Gilmour’s vehicle on the A90, a key arterial route, within the jurisdiction of Perth and Kinross. The stop took place near Glendoick, a familiar landmark for many in the local Perthshire community. While a preliminary search of Gilmour’s person yielded no findings, he quickly acknowledged the presence of the bag in the boot upon being informed of the impending vehicle search. Inside the rucksack, officers discovered a staggering sum of £129,920 in banknotes. Legal Ramifications at Perth Sheriff Court
It was revealed during the court proceedings that at the time of their apprehension, neither Glen nor Gilmour held legitimate employment, with both men receiving state benefits. No credible or legal explanation could be provided for their possession of such a large amount of currency. Consequently, the Crown has initiated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act against Gilmour, seeking to recover a total of £130,195, which accounts for the cash found in the rucksack along with additional funds located elsewhere in his vehicle.
At a recent sitting of Perth Sheriff Court, both accused individuals formally entered guilty pleas to charges related to possessing criminal property. Presiding over the case, Sheriff Alison McKay highlighted the gravity of the offence. Addressing the pair directly, Sheriff McKay clearly stated that a custodial sentence was “at the forefront of the court’s mind,” underscoring the serious view taken by the judiciary regarding involvement in large-scale illegal financial activities. The sentencing has been postponed to allow for the preparation of comprehensive background reports, and both men have been granted continued bail until their next court appearance.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal enterprises operating across Tayside and beyond. The A90’s strategic importance as a transport corridor often makes it a vulnerable point for such illicit transactions. The successful interception near Glendoick demonstrates the efficacy of intelligence-led policing in safeguarding communities throughout Perth and Kinross from the pervasive effects of organised crime. Local authorities remain committed to ensuring the region remains a secure environment, free from the influence of illegal operations, and this conviction reinforces the dedication of the Perthshire justice system to upholding the rule of law.
The events leading to the arrests began in October 2022, when police intelligence indicated an impending large-scale cash exchange within the Dundee area. Responding to this critical tip-off, law enforcement agencies swiftly deployed a dedicated surveillance team to track the movements of the suspected individuals. This operation required precise coordination to follow the targets across geographical boundaries, bringing the focus of the investigation towards the Perthshire border. The Covert Operation Unfolds
During the intricate surveillance, officers observed Alexander Glen, a 30-year-old from Dundee, as he left a block of flats on Kirk Street, Dundee. Noticing him carrying a distinct rucksack, police maintained a discreet watch as he entered his vehicle. The surveillance continued, guiding officers to Rockfield Crescent, a less conspicuous street in Dundee, where Glen eventually parked. Here, Glen, described as having his hood up and appearing to be actively scanning his surroundings, met with Lee Gilmour, 34, from Glasgow. The crucial moment of the operation occurred when the rucksack, visibly containing a substantial sum, was transferred from Glen to Gilmour. Interception Near Glendoick
Immediately following the exchange, Gilmour was seen placing the rucksack into the boot of his Mercedes-Benz before driving away. Recognising the opportunity, specialist road traffic units initiated an interception of Gilmour’s vehicle on the A90, a key arterial route, within the jurisdiction of Perth and Kinross. The stop took place near Glendoick, a familiar landmark for many in the local Perthshire community. While a preliminary search of Gilmour’s person yielded no findings, he quickly acknowledged the presence of the bag in the boot upon being informed of the impending vehicle search. Inside the rucksack, officers discovered a staggering sum of £129,920 in banknotes. Legal Ramifications at Perth Sheriff Court
It was revealed during the court proceedings that at the time of their apprehension, neither Glen nor Gilmour held legitimate employment, with both men receiving state benefits. No credible or legal explanation could be provided for their possession of such a large amount of currency. Consequently, the Crown has initiated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act against Gilmour, seeking to recover a total of £130,195, which accounts for the cash found in the rucksack along with additional funds located elsewhere in his vehicle.
At a recent sitting of Perth Sheriff Court, both accused individuals formally entered guilty pleas to charges related to possessing criminal property. Presiding over the case, Sheriff Alison McKay highlighted the gravity of the offence. Addressing the pair directly, Sheriff McKay clearly stated that a custodial sentence was “at the forefront of the court’s mind,” underscoring the serious view taken by the judiciary regarding involvement in large-scale illegal financial activities. The sentencing has been postponed to allow for the preparation of comprehensive background reports, and both men have been granted continued bail until their next court appearance.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal enterprises operating across Tayside and beyond. The A90’s strategic importance as a transport corridor often makes it a vulnerable point for such illicit transactions. The successful interception near Glendoick demonstrates the efficacy of intelligence-led policing in safeguarding communities throughout Perth and Kinross from the pervasive effects of organised crime. Local authorities remain committed to ensuring the region remains a secure environment, free from the influence of illegal operations, and this conviction reinforces the dedication of the Perthshire justice system to upholding the rule of law.