Latest news with #NWROCU
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Preston probation officer hid relationship with prisoner
A prison probation officer who posed a "significant risk to prison security" by failing to mention her relationship with a prisoner when she got the job has been Wilkinson, 27, did not disclose any conflicts of interest when she applied for the role at HMP Preston or during her vetting period, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) relationship with prisoner Gary Hampson, which began in 2018, was uncovered after a mobile phone found in his cell showed the pair had called, emailed and messaged each who pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Det Insp Brian Morley, of NWROCU, said: "Wilkinson's actions represented a serious breach of trust and undermined the integrity of the criminal justice system."Wilkinson was also sentenced for offences including unauthorised access to a computer and encouraging the possession of a mobile 26, was handed six months' imprisonment to run consecutively with his existing sentence after admitting encouraging misconduct in a public office and possessing an unauthorised mobile phone in prison. Smuggling contraband The sentencing followed an investigation into her misconduct while employed at HMP Preston, which she started working at in vetting for the role was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, by which time Wilkinson, of Preston, had already completed her training and failed to declare any conflicts of in April 2021, Wilkinson told her line manager she knew prisoner Gary Hampson and one of his relatives, citing a family connection, the NWROCU claimed to have submitted a conflict of interest report but records show she only declared a connection to another prisoner and no formal disclosure was made regarding Hampson and his relative.A month later, reports surfaced alleging a corrupt probation officer was smuggling contraband into HMP Preston. A subsequent investigation revealed Wilkinson was in a relationship with Hampson, a continuation of a prior relationship and had visited him in prison in January had also been listed as a friend of two other inmates.A mobile phone seized from Hampson's cell showed messages between Wilkinson and Hampson, while a card sent online by the officer to the prisoner was also found. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
04-08-2025
- BBC News
Lancaster paedophile caught reoffending by undercover police
A registered sex offender who arranged to meet up with a dad so he could sexually abuse his child, not knowing he was actually talking to an undercover police officer, has been jailed Stubley, 59, was previously handed a four-year jail term in 2017 for child sex September, Stubley from Lancaster, expressed a sexual interest in teens and arranged the meeting at a motorway services, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) who pleaded guilty, was given a six-year jail term at Preston Crown Court for child sex offences and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). He was also sentenced to a five-year extended licence, an indefinite registration on the sex offenders' register and an indefinite of Abram Close, was arrested in October and subsequently admitted arranging the commission of child sex offences, possessing indecent images of a child and two counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention Con Becky Murrell said: "Stubley used a messaging platform to have private conversations where he expressed his desire to meet and abuse a child. "This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Stubley, who seek to exploit and harm children." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Two Greater Manchester men arrested in major fraud investigation
Two men have been arrested following a string of raids as part of a major fraud investigation. The Environment Agency has been working with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) on an investigation into illegal recycling paperwork. Authorities say illegal recycling paperwork is often used by organised criminal gangs to launder money. READ MORE: Jury in Manchester Airport police assault trial given majority ruling READ MORE: Major Bee Network bus rule change coming this week for 'hundreds of thousands' of passengers A number of raids took place across the North West earlier this week. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here Officers arrested two men from Bolton, aged 59 and 42, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering following the raids. A 21-year-old woman was also arrested in Chorley, Lancashire, on suspicion of the same offences. Following interview, the suspects were released pending ongoing investigations. The Environment Agency says evidence gathered during the arrests will support any further action going forward. Lauren Pigg, deputy director for environmental markets and regulation at the Environment Agency, said: 'We are putting an end to fraudulent activity in the recycling sector, which undermines law-abiding businesses and harms our precious environment. 'The Environment Agency is now thoroughly examining all the evidence gathered in these raids to further progress the investigation and deliver justice.' The Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations were introduced to force producers of packaging - made from materials such as plastic, glass and cardboard - to contribute towards the financial cost of recycling and waste disposal. Businesses that meet the criteria are required to prove they have made a financial contribution by purchasing credits, known as Packaging Export Recovery Notes, from waste re-processors or exporters. But the credits have a monetary value, which means organised criminal gangs can look to infiltrate the sector and engage in high value fraud and money laundering, according to the Environment Agency, which launched a new economic crime unit last year. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Maddocks, from NWROCU's economic crime team, said: 'This operation highlights the importance of strong collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory partners. "We remain committed to tackling fraud in all its forms and to supporting partner organisations such as the Environment Agency in holding those responsible to account. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "We will continue to ensure that organised criminal activity in this space is identified and disrupted at every level.' Any information that can assist authorities with their investigation can be passed on to the Environment Agency's 24-hour hotline on 0800 807 060. Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Wales Online
Love Island star unmasked as 'business brain' behind drug cartel
Love Island star unmasked as 'business brain' behind drug cartel "The devil works hard, but Barbie works harder" Magdalena Sadlo (Image: NWROCU ) A Love Island star has been unmasked as the "brains" behind a drugs cartel. Magdalena Sadlo, who starred in the Polish version of Love Island in 2021, was nicknamed "Barbie" and played a pivotal role in the cartel, which stretched across the north of England. Her sentencing hearing brought the final stages of a major probe into an extensive importation and distribution network to an end, reports the Liverpool Echo. The 30-year-old played an important role in the international arm of the conspiracy, with the defendant acting as a key link between UK-based crime groups and overseas drug cartels. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. She used her management skills to prepare criminal accounts for crime bosses based in the Middle East. In one message recovered by police, she said: "The devil works hard, but Barbie works harder." Cartel members based in Dubai had masterminded a conspiracy to ship huge amounts of cocaine into the UK. Sadlo was brought in to help. Article continues below Tim Evans, prosecuting, told Carlisle Crown Court that the gang engaged in multi-faceted illegal activity. Detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit detained Sadlo as she flew into the UK on February 13, 2024. Travelling first class with Emirates from Dubai, she was carrying a £130,000 rose gold Patek Phillipe watch, a £30,000 Rolex timepiece with Cartier bracelets and rings, bought with proceeds of crime, and a CV boasting her business acumen and qualifications. As a courier for the gang, Sadlo repeatedly collected large quantities of cocaine as it was imported into the port of Harwich. A police drug expert concluded she could have trafficked almost 300kg of cocaine in seven trips. Over several months, she transported it around England in BMWs during "whistle-stop" tours. Cocaine was initially stored in safe houses and then moved around the country by a team of drivers for supply to addicts. Sadlo was a trusted financial director, documenting many millions of pounds in drug transactions on spreadsheets. Mr Evans said: "She not only manages the profits, costs and expenses, but also manages the stock levels, the profit margins organised crime group at this level could operate or function without Magdalena Sadlo, or an equivalent, performing this role." Sadlo was "enthusiastically, relentlessly efficient in her accounting", the court heard, scolding major players when they did not meet her high standards. Officers also seized mobile phones and laptops with spreadsheets which showed ketamine and cannabis was also being supplied. After Sadlo provided PIN details, officers also unearthed a mass of encrypted group chat messages. In these, she and other high ranking crooks discussed vast amounts of money linked to drug supply. On one phone, Sadlo made searches for "50kg cocaine June news UK" and "which countries have the death penalty for drugs". "She clearly knew the scale and seriousness of the trade she was engaging in," said Mr Evans. Sadlo also managed encrypted communications with senior cartel members and maintained detailed spreadsheets tracking stock levels, customer payments, expenses, and profits. Messages recovered included one saying: "Having a good month, done 95895 in profit so far from orders." Defence barrister, Peter Corrigan, said Sadlo disputed elements of the prosecution case. She had played a lesser criminal role than alleged, said Mr Corrigan, against the background of drug addiction. In a letter, Sadlo expressed remorse after falling on hard times. She was highly regarded by friends and family, the court heard. Sadlo, of Ringwood in Bracknell, Berkshire, admitted conspiring to supply cocaine, cannabis and ketamine; and conspiracy to launder money. She was jailed for 14 years. Judge Nicholas Barker concluded Sadlo, as a courier, was "central" in the collection of drugs and their onward distribution. "I conclude there was gain and reward and in some way considerable to you," said Judge Barker. "You are an intelligent woman and well understand risk and reward," he told the defendant. "I find you acted with real enthusiasm and sought to impress those at the top." Twelve men have already been handed sentences totalling more than 100 years for their role in a plot, smashed by police under Operation Matrix. These included two men from Wigan - Gary Gittins, 43, of Woodland Avenue, Wigan, and Mark Knowles, 41, of Prestwich Street, Atherton - who were jailed in April for their roles as the controllers of safe houses. Gitten, said police, allowed his home to be used by an organised crime group (OCG) to store and distribute approximately 175kg of cocaine, valued at £17.5m. Knowles facilitated the storage of over 77kg of cocaine, worth more than £7m, on three separate occasions. Officers seized £28,000 worth of cannabis from Gittins' home and recovered mixing agents from Knowles' address. Images of kilo blocks of cocaine were also found on his phone. Gittins was jailed for seven years and six months. Knowles for four years and 10 months. Both admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine. Simon Buller, a scaffolder-turned drug-dealer from Atherton, Wigan, was jailed for 15 years and two months in September last year. He was said to have played a 'leading role' in the supply conspiracy. Article continues below Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo from NWROCU said: "Operation Matrix has resulted in the conviction of 13 individuals and prison sentences totalling over 140 years. These convictions strike a significant blow to the supply of drugs across the North West and the UK as we continue to remove top-end controllers of international drug supply. "Magdalena Sadlo's arrest and conviction highlight the reach and complexity of this operation. She played a key role in managing international drug supply and laundering criminal profits, and will now face the consequences of her actions behind bars."
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
'Drug trafficker' Francis Coggins snared in the Netherlands amid National Crime Agency probe
The 60-year-old was detained in the Netherlands. Alleged international drug smuggle r Francis Coggins has been arrested in Europe. He was detained in a Dutch coastal town amid a National Crime Agency probe. The 60-year-old was snared by officers from the Dutch National Police force outside a residential property in Zandvoort yesterday, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. He was taken into custody after ongoing work between the National Crime Agency (NCA), the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and the Dutch National Police. Coggins, of Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, was wanted by the NWROCU on a trade and cooperation agreement warrant for allegedly smuggling heroin and cocaine. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. He appeared at court in Amsterdam today to begin the process of extradition to the UK and he was remanded to appear again on a date to be confirmed. Detective superintendent Zoe Russo from the NWROCU said: "This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that individuals wanted for serious offences, whether in the UK or abroad, are brought to justice. "We work closely with international law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend fugitives, no matter where they try to hide. The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you." Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA said: " The agency has been working extensively with the ROCU and our international partners to trace Coggins and return him to the UK. "It does not matter where fugitives go. The agency's reach and strong relationships with international partners mean we will always tenaciously pursue those wanted by law enforcement." Coggins' brother Vincent, known as "the headmaster" to signify his role at the top of the Huyton Firm organised crime group, was jailed and convicted as part of the NWROCU's probe codenamed "Operation SubZero". Liverpool Echo reports that the arrests of many members of the organised crime syndicate resulted in some of the first EncroChat convictions in the UK.
