2011 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner
Throughout 2010, interception identified other OCG members who were involved in
money laundering on behalf of this OCG. This intelligence enabled the operational team
to gather evidence of OCG members conducting this laundering activity, before arresting
them and recovering in excess of £600,000.
Intercept product had also shown that the OCG was supplying drugs to local criminals,
several of whom were of interest to their respective Police Forces. Intelligence was
provided to those Forces as to the activities of these individuals. This resulted in the
arrest of over 15 local drugs distributors and the recovery of Class A drugs, money and
ammunition. In mid 2010, interception confirmed that a significant Class A drugs supplier,
originally linked to this OCG, was in addition distributing drugs to another key OCG in the
UK. Subsequent interception of this additional OCG enabled its members to be identified,
along with the locations of drugs storage facilities and exchanges. The intelligence derived
from intercept led to the seizure of over 100 kilograms of Class A drugs, £200,000 in cash
and a firearm.
Interception in 2011 showed that the primary members of the OCG had resumed
importations of Class A drugs into the UK and were arranging for customers to collect
consignments. Intercept intelligence later identified the locations of drugs exchanges,
which resulted in seizures of over 150 kilograms of Class A drugs, 75 kilograms of Class B
drugs and several arrests.
Conclusion: This operation lasted just over three years, during which interception played
a crucial role in helping law enforcement officers to dismantle at least three linked OCGs
involved in importing and distributing Class A drugs within the UK. It has also led to the
identification of numerous suppliers based aboard and other persons of interest to law
enforcement in the UK. Some of these individuals are now the subject of other SOCA
operations.
As a direct result of intelligence provided through interception, in excess of 400 kilograms
of Class A drugs, 1,700 kilograms of Class B drugs, three firearms and £1,000,000 in cash
have been seized.
In addition, more than 75 people associated with the OCGs outlined have been arrested
for drugs supply and distribution, money laundering and firearms possession offences.
Of those subject to interception, approximately one third of individuals have been convicted
for drugs-related offences and have received prisons sentences averaging over 15 years
each. Intelligence also indicates that the other previously warranted subjects have either
fled the UK through fear of prosecution or have curtailed their criminal activities through
lack of funds or loss of face within the criminal fraternity.
Intelligence derived from intercept product has increased the understanding of how this
and other OCGs operate, including furthering knowledge on importation methods, money
laundering processes and the use of technology by criminals.
During the course of this operation, actionable intelligence was disseminated by SOCA to
the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) forces and international law enforcement
partners. This provided a valuable contribution to law enforcement efforts in the UK and
abroad.
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