ANNEX 8: INTERCEPTION CASE STUDIES
9.
Intelligence derived from interception indicated a conflict between organised crime
groups as each sought to control a greater section of the drugs market. The
intelligence suggested the use of firearms by the groups. This prompted immediate
steps to tackle the group, with the intention of dismantling the network, disrupting the
supply of Class A drugs, preventing further loss of life and arresting those involved.
The operation also targeted individuals directly involved in gun possession and crime
whilst disrupting other criminal activities such as small-scale drug dealing, acquisitive
crime and serious assaults.
10.
Intercepted material identified the individual co-ordinating the sale of significant
amounts of Class A drugs, led to the location of his safe storage premises, and
identified senior gang members involved in the supply chain. It also enabled junior
gang members to be identified as couriers of the drugs to numerous locations across
London, the Home Counties and beyond, including the method and timing transport.
Interception also revealed that the head of the organised crime group was conspiring
with others to shoot a rival. This led to an armed stop of the target whilst he was en
route to the hit location. He was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and
arrested.
11.
The primary operation led to the collapse of the network operating across London and
the Home Counties. During the course of the operation, intelligence from interception
led to the seizure of over 40 firearms, in excess of 200kg of Class A drugs, the seizure
of over £500,000 of cash and over 100 arrests.
Case 4
12.
A criminal investigation into a London-based money laundering network, linked to
several organised crime groups that were responsible for a major share of criminal
activity across London.
13.
An operation was launched in partnership with HMRC to identify the proceeds linked
to the groups’ criminal activities and to deny them funds. The police had identified that
a considerable quantity of cash was being laundered on a regular basis by a relatively
small group of criminals. Launderers were identified as working for multiple crime
networks and making significant profits. However, traditional policing methods were
unable to provide details of how the network ran their business.
14.
Intercepted material indicated the method by which the laundering network was moving
funds between accounts. This led to the covert interception of high value cash
transactions, depriving the organised crime groups of their profits and diminishing their
ability to complete criminal transactions.
15.
During the operation, cash in excess of £3 million was seized. Intercept intelligence
indicated that a number of criminal enterprises had collapsed and a number of targets
had been forced to cease their activities due to a lack of funding.
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