organised crime – Page 2 – The NEN

Two charged over production and supply of illicit diazepam

POLICE in Midlothian have charged two men and seized a significant quantity of controlled drugs following an intelligence-led operation.

On Tuesday, 12 September, 2023, officers attended a property in the Danderhall area suspected of being involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs.

Seized from within the address were items believed to be involved in the production of diazepam, including a pill press, along with approximately 900,000 tablets.

A range of other substances, including powders currently undergoing further forensic testing, were also recovered.

It is anticipated that the items recovered had an estimated street value of over £1 million.

Two men, aged 42 and 60, were arrested at the scene and have since been charged. Both are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 14 September, 2023.)

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns said: “Officers discovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise believed to have been producing vast amounts of illegal drugs with a significant quantity, and mechanisms to produce more, successfully seized.

“Our officers are removing drugs from communities right across Scotland day in, day out. In addition we will continue to do everything in our powers to strip those responsible of their criminal assets using the Proceeds of Crime Act, so they do not benefit from criminal activity.

“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.”

Millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs seized as serious organised crime disruption continues

Pro-active action by police officers saw millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs recovered, between April and June 2023 as Police Scotland’s efforts to disrupt serious organised crime continues.

The Quarter 1 2023-24 Performance Report, presented to the Scottish Police Authority on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, details seizures of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and street Valium tablets as well as a number of arrests being made.

Detective Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson said: “Police Scotland has a vital role in preventing illicit drugs reaching our streets and disrupting the nefarious activities of those engaged in serious organised criminality.

“We are all too aware of the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland. The ongoing activity described in the performance report underlines our commitment to reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.

“The encouraging figures underline that those working in partnership to deliver the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy continue to have a considerable impact on these illegal activities and are contributing to helping to keep our communities safe.

“These seizures will undoubtedly have a massive negative effect on the activities of those involved.”

Activity between April and June 2023 includes:

• Activity by Organised Crime and local officers, saw seven men and three woman arrested during an operation targeting the supply of drugs in the Scottish Borders which resulted in £670,000 worth of substances being recovered

• Officers in Ayrshire recovered a cannabis cultivation with an estimated street value of £2,000,000

• Officers executed a warrant at a property in High Street, Dumfries and recovered cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £261,000

• Cannabis plants worth £740,000 were seized following an operation in Kirkcaldy

• Officers executed warrants at a number of addresses in Aberdeen and Liverpool as part of a County Lines investigation and recovered heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value in excess of £115,000

• In Glenrothes, a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged after Class A drugs, with an estimated street value of £400,000 were recovered.

In the reporting period hundreds of thousands of street Valium tablets, including Etizolam and Bromazolam were seized. At least 200,000 were recovered during operations in the Glasgow area, 160,000 in Lanarkshire, more than 30,000 in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area and almost 50,000 in the Lothians and Scottish Borders.

Eight arrests after day of action targeting county lines in Edinburgh

Eight men have been arrested and cocaine worth up to £225,000 was seized in a day of action targeting county lines drug activity in Edinburgh.

The action was taken yesterday (Tuesday, 5 September) and focused on eight addresses in Edinburgh and two in London, with support from the Metropolitan Police.

Officers from Edinburgh also worked with colleagues in Highland & Islands Division as part of the investigation, looking into wider links in the Inverness area.

Cocaine worth up to £225,000 was seized over the course of the day along with up to £30,000 in cash.

The eight men, aged between 41 and 21, were arrested and charged in connection with various drug and immigration offences. They are all due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Wednesday, 6 September).

Detective Superintendent Iain Ramsay said: “We are committed to identifying the supply chain which brings drugs into Edinburgh and disrupting the activity of people intent on bringing harm to our communities.

“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders.

“Activity such as this cross-border operation shows the benefit of working closely with partner agencies in response to concerns raised by local communities, as well working with colleagues across Police Scotland.

“Intelligence is the lifeblood of investigations such as this. Communities should not have to tolerate the damage caused by drugs and I would urge anyone with information which can help us deal with those responsible to pass this on.”

“If anyone has any concerns regarding the abuse of controlled drugs, or anyone who may be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, they are urged to contact Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Tackling criminal exploitation

Safeguarding the most vulnerable

Frontline workers, including in schools and the NHS, are being given new guidance to help prevent children and vulnerable adults from being drawn into organised crime.

The first document of its kind in Scotland, the ‘Practitioner Guidance on Criminal Exploitation’ stems from work commissioned last year by the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce.

It aims to support a shared understanding of criminal exploitation and to help professionals identify those at risk from serious organised crime.

This includes watching out for signs such as: individuals travelling to different areas or locations they would not usually visit; changes in peer groups; and individuals who may have been groomed by crime gangs appearing agitated and nervous about answering calls, or texts and going out.

The guidance will be made available to all front-line workers – including in social work, policing, the NHS, education settings and the third-sector – who come into regular contact with children and vulnerable adults.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Criminal exploitation of anyone, and particularly the vulnerable is truly abhorrent and can leave victims feeling trapped with nowhere to turn while experiencing violence, intimidation, and threats.

“This new guidance seeks to help end that cycle, giving people who work with children and vulnerable adults the confidence to act, enabling help to be more quickly delivered to those that need it.

“Scotland’s organised crime gangs are not confined to the big cities, and they seek to exploit people across the country, impacting everyone. Understanding this and how this despicable practice can finally be ended is crucial in supporting the strong partnerships we have created to tackle these illegal groups.

“We all pay the price for their callous disregard for the law. This guidance is an important step towards better helping victims of exploitation and stifling the organised criminals of the lifeblood they need to keep operating.”

Paul Carberry, Chair of Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Divert strand, said: “This guidance will give professionals from across multiple agencies more comprehensive knowledge, understanding and develop a wider perspective about criminal exploitation.

“It is essential frontline public professionals, such as NHS, Social Work, and school staff, as well as Police Scotland, recognise the signs and have a shared knowledge of criminal exploitation.

“The work of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce will help Scotland realise a vision where all individuals are free from criminal exploitation. This guidance will take us one step further in that aim.”

Three jailed for violent attack in Lochend

Three men were sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday following a violent attack on a man in Lochend.

Lewis Spence, 26, Connor Steele, 23, and Bradley Logan, 25, were each sentenced to seven years in prison following the attempted murder of a 40-year-old man in Lochend Road South, on Tuesday, 15 September, 2020.

The 40-year-old man was treated at St John’s Hospital in Livingston for severe injuries.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Edinburgh CID said: “This was a targeted, violent attack linked to organised criminality that occurred in broad daylight.

“The men were arrested following an extensive investigation and will now face the consequences of their actions.

“I would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance during our enquiries, which has undoubtedly assisted in securing this conviction.

“This type of violent crime will not be tolerated in Edinburgh and I hope the outcome today sends a clear message to those involved in serious organised crime, that we are committed to disrupting harmful activity in our communities and bringing the perpetrators of violence to justice.”

Anyone with information or concerns about criminality in their area can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Seven arrested following pre-planned police operation in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian

Seven people have been arrested after warrants were executed at nine properties in Edinburgh, East Lothian, and Midlothian, as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of violent incidents and fire-raising.

Today, Tuesday, 14 March, divisional officers, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, attended at addresses in the Niddrie, Gracemount and Craigmillar areas of Edinburgh, as well as Cockenzie and Gorebridge.

Five men – aged 23, 23, 30, 30, and 32 – and a 16-year-old male youth – have been charged in connection with a series of offences, a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and all will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 15 March, 2023. A 23-year-old man was released pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Petrie, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Today demonstrates our commitment to tackling violence in our communities and apprehending those involved.

“This day of action has been the culmination of extensive investigatory work over a number of months.

“Throughout the investigation we have utilised detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland and we will continue to do so as our enquiries remain ongoing.”

Superintendent Mark Rennie, who is responsible for operational policing within Edinburgh, said: “These arrests reinforce our determination to target those involved in violence and organised crime.

“I want to reassure the public that we will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.

“I would encourage members of the public with information, or any concerns, to come forward so we can take action.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.

Vets respond to the BBC’s shocking Panorama investigation: Dogs, Dealers and Organised Crime

British Veterinary Association renews calls for greater enforcement of irresponsible dog breeding; a clamp down on unregulated canine fertility clinics; and a ban on imported dogs with cropped ears

New, hard-hitting BBC Panorama and Disclosure investigations have revealed the links between organised crime and the breeding of dogs with extreme features. In light of these investigations, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for urgent action on better enforcement and regulation of dog breeding and selling.

The two documentaries, broadcast on Monday 23 January, show how the growing popularity of breeds like American and French bulldogs has led criminal gangs to resort to cruel and dangerous breeding practices.

The investigation also uncovers the impact of extreme breeding on the health and welfare of dogs, including links to the recent spike in unregulated canine fertility clinics and the trend for cropping dogs’ ears for fashion.

Responding to the investigation, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “It is horrific to see unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs to meet the demands of fashion without any consideration for the health or welfare of the animals.

“Sadly, this BBC investigation doesn’t come as a surprise to vets and animal welfare organisations. BVA has long raised concerns about irresponsible breeding and its links to unregulated canine fertility clinics and illegal ear cropping.

“This investigation is a wake-up call to government to take urgent action to protect the welfare of these animals by introducing regulation for fertility clinics as well as banning the importation of dogs with cropped ears through the Kept Animals Bill. Such a ban would close the legal loophole that allows this trend to continue despite the procedure being illegal in the UK.

“The public also has an important role to play in stemming the tide of irresponsible breeding. Responsible pet ownership begins even before you get a puppy, so we’d encourage anyone looking to buy a dog to pick health over looks or the latest fashion and always speak to your vet for advice.

“Use the free Puppy Contact to help guide you on the questions you should be asking a breeder, to ensure you’re getting a healthy, happy puppy from a responsible source. We encourage people to report concerns around dogs with cropped ears and unregulated fertility clinics to their local government authority.”

BVA is calling on vets and members of the public to download its template letter and send it to their local MP, urging them to call on the Government to deliver its promised commitment to animal health and welfare by ensuring the continuation of the crucial and long-awaited Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill through Parliament. Download the template letter: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/kept-animals-bill/

The Puppy Contract is available to view at: http://puppycontract.org.uk/

Three jailed over county lines activity between London and Edinburgh

Three men have been jailed after pleading guilty to running a county drug line between London and Edinburgh.

Michael Orguns, 24, Harrison Kimpembe, 27 and Kalil Nuur, 20, all from London were sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow today (Friday, 13 January).

They had previously pleaded guilty to drug supply offences in connection with £130,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine recovered in Edinburgh between 6 April and the October, 2021.

Orguns (above), who was recognised by the court as being in control of the drug line and principal member of the group, was sentenced to five years and three months.

Kimpembe (above) was sentenced to five years and Nuur sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.

It followed an investigation by the specialist Edinburgh County Lines Unit.

Detective Sergeant David Wright said: “We welcome the conviction of these three men and this significant recovery of controlled drugs and subsequent conviction sends a strong message to those who deal drugs in our communities.

“We are committed to identifying and disrupting the supply chains which bring drugs into Edinburgh and we worked closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to identify those involved.”

“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders and we are committed to identifying and bringing offenders such as Kimpembe, Orguns and Nuur to justice, wherever in the country they are based.

Crackdown on benefits fraudsters

A £510 million funding boost targeted at fraudsters lying to the DWP about their benefit claims has been announced by the UK Government.

The money will be used to improve the department’s capability and capacity to detect and deter benefit fraud and catch fraudsters, recovering more taxpayer money that funds essential public services.

This crackdown will include 2,000 trained specialists to review claims by carrying out property checks, following up earning declarations of self-employed claimants and cross-checking bank details.

It builds on the department’s highly skilled and agile counter-fraud team and investigators in cyber security and serious and organised crime.

They led government action to tackle organised crime groups seeking to exploit support during the pandemic, shutting down systematic attacks on the benefit system and preventing at least £1.9 billion in benefits from being paid to people trying to scam the system.

Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “Investing in measures to fight fraud protects honest taxpayers’ money and stops criminals funding their illicit activities off the back of our welfare system.

“We know the characteristics of a suspicious claim. This half a billion-pound cash injection is a clear message to fraudsters and criminal gangs. Anyone trying to con us will get caught out.”

A recent case handled by the counter-fraud team supported a high value fraud bust with police in Stratford-upon-Avon. Operation Iggy was a sting on a woman who had made 14 Universal Credit claims using false identity documents for a total of £270,000.

She was arrested, with the false documents found in her house, and sentenced to 30 months in prison, with DWP now recovering the money.

Czech man convicted of money laundering offences

A 42-year-old man from the Czech Republic has today, Monday, 1 February 2021, been convicted of money laundering offences after being arrested at Glasgow Airport as part of a Police Scotland and National Crime Agency (NCA) intelligence-led investigation into the export of cash from the United Kingdom to Dubai.

On 8 November 2020, Lukas Pokorny was stopped and arrested by Border Force officers as he was about to board a flight bound for Dubai.

A search of three suitcases in his possession revealed a large quantity of cash in each – totalling over £860,000. He was unable to provide keys to unlock the luggage, or say who they belonged to or what they contained.

Officers from the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) charged Pokorny and today he pled guilty to three charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at the High Court in Glasgow.

Pokorny claimed he was flying to the United Arab Emirate to stay with a friend and the money was to allow him to teach people to jet-ski.

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “Targeting the movement of criminal cash and profits from organised crime groups in Scotland remains a priority.

“The arrest and conviction of Pokorny is another excellent example of the value of partnership working between Organised Crime Partnership, Border Force and National Crime Agency officers.

“I welcome his conviction and the significant amount of laundered cash that has been taken out of criminal circulation.”

NCA regional head of investigations for Scotland Gerry McLean added: “This was a significant seizure of criminal cash, the proceeds of organised crime. Taking it out in has prevented that money being invested into further criminal activity, violence and exploitation on the streets of Scotland.

“Working with partners including Police Scotland and Border Force we are determined to do all we can to disrupt the flow of illicit finance.”

The Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) is an investigation team comprising of officers and staff from Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency.