2012 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner
5.
SUCCESSES
I continue to be impressed, as in previous years, with the role that lawful interception and
communications data acquisition plays in the operational successes of intelligence agencies,
law enforcement agencies and other relevant public authorities in the UK. Interception and
communications data remain powerful techniques in the investigation of many kinds of crime and
threats to national security. Many of the largest drug-trafficking, excise evasion, people-trafficking,
counter-terrorism and wider national security, and serious crime investigative successes of the
recent past have in some way involved the use of interception and/or communications data.
The following case summaries are just a sample of a large number of operations that have been
examined during the 2012 inspections where lawful interception and/or communications data
have played a role in a successful outcome. I have, as in previous years, not provided detailed
examples of operations from the intelligence agencies in order not to prejudice national security.
I have also provided further case studies illustrating operational successes in other parts of this
report.
Case Study 1 – SOCA - Use of Lawful Interception
SOCA used intercept intelligence to good effect when investigating the Class A drug
trafficking activities of a UK based Organised Crime Group (OCG) in 2011 and 2012. A
number of individuals involved in the collection, storage and distribution of Class A drugs
were identified. SOCA was able to arrest several individuals and seize a large quantity
of drugs. In spite of this, the principal member of the OCG continued to coordinate the
supply and distribution of controlled drugs.
Intercept intelligence assisted SOCA to seize a firearm and a large amount of ammunition
that was going to be used in the shooting of a rival OCG member to settle an ongoing drug
dispute, and to identify other members of the OCG that were involved in the laundering
of cash derived from the sale of Class A drugs.
Overall in excess of 30 people associated to these OCGs were arrested for offences of
supply and distribution of controlled drugs, money laundering and possession of firearms.
SOCA were enabled to seize in excess of 100kgs of Class A and B drugs, a firearm and
over £175,000 in cash. During the course of the investigation, actionable intelligence was
disseminated by SOCA to police forces and international law enforcement partners,
providing a valuable contribution to law enforcement efforts in the UK and abroad. Of
the individuals subject to interception, approximately half were convicted for drug related
offences, receiving prison sentences totalling over 100 years.
Case Study 2 – Use of Communications Data - Environment Agency
Communications data was used to good effect to develop intelligence in relation to
Operation Brynce, an investigation into the activities at a major illegal waste site in
Cornwall. Several thousand tonnes of waste were dumped at Rocks Farm in Bugle between
2003 and 2011 after it was turned into an illegal waste transfer station and landfill. Waste
was burnt, sorted, sold and recycled from the site, despite the fact that there was no
planning permission from Restormel Borough Council or the necessary permits from the
Environment Agency.
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