TWO men have been convicted of a six year long conspiracy to launder millions of pounds which officers believe could have been funnelled to Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to help fund terrorism.

Sayed Anwar, 43, of Kinsgbury , and Sayed Alam, 45, of Stanmore , were responsible for washing dirty money through a money service business.

Sayed Alam, 45, of Stanmore, was convicted of conspiracy to conceal, convert, disguise, remove or transfer criminal property
Sayed Alam, 45, of Stanmore, was convicted of conspiracy to conceal, convert, disguise, remove or transfer criminal property
Sayed Anwar, 43, of Kinsgbury,was convicted of conspiracy to conceal, convert, disguise, remove or transfer criminal property
Sayed Anwar, 43, of Kinsgbury,was convicted of conspiracy to conceal, convert, disguise, remove or transfer criminal property

The pair were investigated by the Metropolitan Police 's Counter Terrorism Command following their arrest in September 2010 on suspicion of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The investigation looked at a period between July 2004 and September 2010 and Anwar and Alam were charged in March 2012 with conspiracy to conceal, convert, disguise, remove or transfer criminal property.

Southwark Crown Court heard Anwar and Alam ran a money transfer business from the basement of a 24-hour convenience store.

They were transferring up to a £500,000 a month - a sum that, if it had come from genuine transactions, would have required a huge client base and a constant flow of customers.

The defendants were knowingly laundering money for criminal gangs directly involved in large scale drug trafficking activity. Officers suspected the proceeds were being sent abroad into the pockets of terrorists.

Counter Terrorism Commander Duncan Ball said: "Money laundering can be a very complex offence, but my investigators know where to look and what to look out for and will ensure that the best possible evidence available is presented to the court to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

"Sayed Anwar failed to attend his trial and is now wanted by police.

"We need to establish his current whereabouts so that he can be put before the court."

Alam admitted on October 31 last year a charge of money laundering to the tune of £22million between July 2007 and September 2010 but he denied the conspiracy offence. 

The trial took place in Anwar's absence and the pair were convicted yesterday. Both will be sentenced next Thursday.