A SERVING police officer from Harlow, has appeared in court accused of being involved with a money laundering conspiracy.

Metropolitan Police officer Kashif Mahmood, 31, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday along with four others.

The court heard how as a serving officer, the defendant had direct involvement in two incidents related to conspiracy to acquire criminal property, namely cash.

It was alleged he received £35,000 over a six-month period and travelled to Dubai numerous times with his co-conspirators.

Mahmood, from Harlow, was refused bail and has been suspended from duty as an officer.

He is charged with conspiracy to acquire criminal property, contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1977.

The others charged with the same offence are Ioan Ghergel, 33, of Stratford, east London, and brothers Moshin Khan, 35, and Shazad Khan, 32, of the same address in Ilford and Shabaz Khan, of Barkingside, east London.

Shabaz Khan is also charged with possession of criminal property contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

They will all appear at the Old Bailey on August 5.