Two British men are being held in a high-security prison in Norway after being accused of involvement in a money laundering case linked to a consignment of silver coins worth £1.5 million.
Among them is 31-year-old Samuel Cook from Exeter, a father of one and former serviceman, who was working on a job transporting the coins when the incident occurred.
The pair were hired through a UK-based close protection company to carry out what was expected to be a routine courier task in Oslo. According to Cook’s family, they were contracted to transport 500kg of silver coins between two addresses in the city. However, on 22 April, they were stopped by Oslo police and arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery.
Cook and his colleague, believed to be a former Royal Marine, are currently being held in Ringerike Prison – one of Norway’s most secure facilities and previously home to convicted terrorist Anders Breivik. Despite their initial arrest on robbery charges, Norwegian authorities have since downgraded the accusation to negligent money laundering.
On 22 May, Oslo District Court approved a request by police to extend the men’s detention for another four weeks while investigations continue. The court said there is reasonable suspicion that the silver coins were the proceeds of criminal activity. According to translated court documents, the judge concluded that the two British nationals likely understood the coins may have been linked to unlawful acts.
Samuel’s father, Steve Cook, 54, who served in the Royal Marines, described the family as being overwhelmed with worry. He stressed that his son has no criminal record and would never knowingly get involved in illegal dealings. Steve added that Samuel lives with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and depression, and is registered as disabled.
The job, which was expected to earn them just £750 over three days, had been arranged by a company that hired the protection officers and booked their travel and accommodation. Steve said neither man knew each other before the assignment, and both believed it was a legitimate delivery task.
The British Embassy in Norway is reportedly supporting the detainees and is in ongoing contact with local authorities. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed assistance is being provided to both British nationals.
Meanwhile, the Oslo police have transferred the case to Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim). The Norwegian Correctional Service declined to comment, citing legal restrictions on disclosing information about individual prisoners.
Samuel’s family continue to await clarity and call for a fair resolution, expressing concern for his wellbeing and safety while in detention.
