A male model has been stopped in Dublin Airport carrying more than half a million euro in cash in his bag.

The man was boarding a flight to Brussels when airport police intercepted him a little after 7am yesterday.

The Irish Independent reports that the 36-year-old is a top model and occasional TV presenter who is well-known and liked on the Dublin celebrity circuit.

It is believed that the man was under surveillance from the time he arrived at the airport for his outbound flight. 

Revenue officials are now in possession of the cash – which amounts to some €570,000 – while they ascertain whether it is connected to criminal activity. They will be allowed to keep it for three-months. 

Following questioning at the airport over several hours, the male model was then released.

He cannot be named unless formal charges against him are brought.

A spokesperson for Revenue said it was “the largest seizure of cash to date this year”.