James Bide-Thomas and Sebastian Walker, instructed by the CPS Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate prosecuted firearms and money laundering offences in an Encrochat investigation.
The case concerned the organised transfer of numerous firearms between two Organised Crime Groups, using the highly encrypted Encrochat network. Evidence indicated the plan of the recipient OCG was to use the firearms to maintain their multi-kilogram cocaine and heroin network, including by way of retaliation for perceived snitching. The defendant was an integral part of the criminal network involved in selling the firearms.
The jury unanimously found the defendant guilty of all charges, including the transfer of firearms and related money laundering.
Further information
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