A motorist claimed a relative known only as ‘Superman’ gave him more than €20,000 to transport abroad when he was stopped in Kent.

Gica Rostas and his wife Marcella were pulled over at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone and were unable to explain bundles of banknotes found in their vehicle.

He was arrested and told officers a family member he knew only as the comic book superhero ‘Superman’ had received an insurance payout following a car crash.

The 45-year-old also claimed the relative had given him the cash so he could visit another relation in Romania.

He later admitted it was a lie and claimed it had come from the sale of a house in 2008.

A total of about £30,000 cash was seized from the couple’s vehicle, including €21,300 found in Mrs Rostas’ handbag and £10,300 in the lining of a picnic basket.

The money was seized whilst an investigation was carried out, with neither of the couple able to prove it had been earned through legitimate means.

Mr Rostas, and Mrs Rostas, 46, from Luton, Bedfordshire, were both charged with money laundering offences.

But the jury in their trial at Maidstone Crown Court in October last year was discharged following legal arguments and no re-trial was arranged.

Financial investigators continued with a civil case using legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

And on Friday a forfeiture order in respect of the seized cash was granted following a hearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court.

Det Insp David Godfrey said: “Whilst Mr and Mrs Rostas were never convicted of committing any criminal offences, they were unable to provide a reasonable explanation as to why they were attempting to leave the UK with so much money in their possession.

“The best excuse Mr Rostas could come up with at short notice was that a relative known only as Superman had given it to him, which he later admitted was a lie.

“The Proceeds of Crime Act allows officers to seize cash and goods when they are not satisfied with the explanation provided, pending further enquiries by our highly-skilled team of financial investigators.

“Such action allows us to prevent people making a living from illegal activity and potentially helping to fund other types of serious and organised criminality.”