Cases
Cases
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Op Varbody [Snaresbrook] 2025
Family OCG trafficking 1 tonne of cocaine around the UK
Charlotte Hole and Sam Willis prosecuted a family of drug traffickers responsible for moving at least one tonne of cocaine from ports in the South East to towns and cities across the UK.
Headed up by grandmother Deborah Mason, self-described as ‘Gangster Debbs’ and saved in another defendant’s phone as ‘Queen Bee’, the close-knit group of nine defendants were responsible for collecting up to 60 1kg blocks of cocaine at a time from the Harwich / Colchester area, and then delivering them to serious organised crime groups in Rotherham, Bradford, Leicester, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff for onward supply. Around 55 individual trips were made by the group during 2023, each trip involving multiple drug drops or cash collections, amounting to around a tonne of cocaine in total.
The trial of eight of the defendants at Woolwich Crown Court concluded this week, and involved the presentation of cell site and ANPR mapping, surveillance evidence, and a schedule of 7,500 messages exchanged between the defendants revealing the inner workings of the conspiracy.
Two of the defendants pleaded guilty during the trial and six were convicted by the jury. One defendant had already pleaded guilty at an earlier stage in the proceedings.
Charlotte and Sam were instructed by Rob Hutchinson of the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
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Op Tablemaking [Snaresbrook] 2025
Cyber-criminals selling service to circumvent bank security checks
Sam Willis prosecuted three cyber-criminals for building and running a website used by fraudsters to circumvent bank security checks.
Investigated by the National Crime Agency, the website, called OTP.Agency, was a tool designed to be used by fraudsters to convince their victims to hand over the one-time-passcodes sent by banks when accessing online banking or when making purchases.
Logs and messages recovered during the investigation indicated that the website had been used by over 3,000 fraudsters to make over 66,000 calls to potential victims between March and October of 2021.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1w728ypzqxo.amp
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/09/owners-of-1-time-passcode-theft-service-plead-guilty/
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Op Sunshine [Harrow] 2024
Supplying 13kg heroin and cocaine using EncroChat
Sam Willis prosecuted this EncroChat case involving the supply of 13kg of Class A drugs in London. The case centered on attribution, piecing together information from the messages and photographs shared, items seized, call data records, information held on the police databases, tenancy information, and Border Force records. The defendant was convicted after a 5-day trial.
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R v A [Southampton Crown Court] 2024
Large Scale Dealing of Drugs & Firearms Possession
The 9-week trial concerned large scale drug dealing and the possession of numerous firearms. Paul and Liam`s client was said to be a “Leading Role” Class A drug dealer. Mr A accepted he was involved in the drugs trade, but categorically denied possession of the guns which were allegedly found at his “safe-house”. Leading counsel for the crown described the prosecution case against Mr A as “comprehensive and compelling”. After considering Paul`s closing speech the jury disagreed. Mr A was acquitted on all the counts the jury had to determine.
Junior – Liam Sneddon
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Op Narrative [Snaresbrook] 2024
780kg of cocaine concealed inside a shipping container
Sam Willis, led by James Brown, prosecuted the "biggest seizure of Class A drugs" ever made by Northamptonshire Police, centred around a shipment of 780kg of cocaine. Worth £78m, the drugs had been concealed inside a shipping container that had arrived into the Port of Felixstowe.
Sam was instructed by Kate Mulholland of the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-59493377
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Op Serious [Snaresbrook] 2024
Using EncroChat to supply an AK-47, an Intratec Tec-9 automatic pistol, ammunition, and cocaine
Sam Willis was instructed as led junior to prosecute this EncroChat Operation Venetic case involving the supply of an AK-47 assault rifle, an Intratec Tec-9 automatic pistol, ammunition, and cocaine. The nature of the case and the issues at trial required the calling of three different expert witnesses to give opinion evidence on firearms, drugs, and cell site mapping.
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Op Vivalas and Kikifeet [CCC] 2024
Revolver found after a stabbing, then a shotgun fired into a home through a letterbox
Dickon Reid and Sam Willis prosecuted the joint case arising from Operations Vivalas and Kikifeet. After a stabbing in North London, police found a loaded Turkish revolver inside the victim’s car. Less than 48-hours later, three masked men fired a 12-bore shotgun through the letterbox of a house connected to the stabber. The prosecution’s case was that the two incidents were linked - the second being a revenge attack for the first.
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R v Dhir & Raijada [Southwark Crown Court] 2024
Drug & Money Laundering
Prosecution of husband and wife exporting over 7 tonnes of cocaine to Australia and associated money laundering offences. Both defendants convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison.
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Operation Star [Basildon Crown Court] 2024
Drugs Conspiracy
Prosecution of “encrochat” cocaine drugs conspiracy
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Op Tamora [Isleworth] 2023
Containers filled with 270kg of cocaine, 2,500kg of cannabis and 18.6m cigarettes
Charlotte Hole and Sam Willis prosecuted two importers for bringing into the UK 270 kilograms of cocaine, 2.5 tonnes of cannabis and 18.6 million duty-free cigarettes, all hidden inside shipping containers. Valued at £24m, the drugs had been vacuum-packed and then secreted inside crates of animal feed, yams and oranges. The cigarettes were concealed in a similar manner, hidden inside crates of snack food, coconut fibre and biscuits - the tax that should have been paid on them if imported lawfully totalled just over £9m.
The case followed an extensive investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, who became involved when a farmer discovered 189kg of cocaine in a shipping container full of animal feed. The defendants had unsuccessfully tried to divert the container to their warehouse in London so that the drugs could be removed before the container reached the farm.
During the 16-week trial, the conspiracy was evidenced using material from numerous encrypted communications services. The jury heard technical evidence involving cell site analysis, VPN services, and IP address resolution.
Charlotte and Sam were instructed by the CPS Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID).
https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/drug-smugglers-foiled-farmer-jailed-over-ps29-million-plot
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R v OO, IE & BE [Central Criminal Court] 2023
Organ Harvesting Plot
This was the first prosecution of trafficking for the purpose of organ harvesting in English legal history.
Catherine was led by Hugh Davies KC for the prosecution.
News report here:
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R v G [Leeds Crown Court] 2023
Conspiracy to Produce Cannabis
In this case Paul`s client was said to be the 2nd in command of a large-scale conspiracy to produce cannabis. There were a number of cannabis farms throughout Yorkshire. Mr G was filmed using an anti-surveillance device to check for trackers. He was recorded allegedly discussing the grows with fellow conspirators and it was said that cell site evidence placed him at the location of the cannabis farms. The trial lasted for 7 weeks and involved challenging issues of law, a complex factual matrix and unusual ethical problems. Following Paul`s speech (which was praised by both leading and junior prosecution counsel and the Judge) Mr G was unanimously acquitted.
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Operation Uvrou [Central Criminal Court] 2023
Fake Bomb Attack
As led junior, Aska represented the second defendant who was charged with conspiring to place fake bombs in Gray’s Inn. Instructed by Freemans.
News report here.
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R v S & 6 Others [Bournemouth Crown Court] 2023
Drugs Supply & Modern Slavery
Rupert Kent was instructed by CPS London South as leading junior in this seven-handed two-month trial focussing on the county lines class A drug supply activity of a London based gang who targeted vulnerable drug addicts in Bournemouth, and used children as drugs runners.
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Operation Forte [Croydon] 2023
Spree of commercial burglaries across London committed by OCG
Sam Willis, led by Charlotte Hole, prosecuted this case of an OCG committing a spree of commercial burglaries across London. The group targeted bookmakers and other shops, typically breaking in during the night using sledgehammers and then cutting open the shop's safe using power tools. Investigated by the Flying Squad, the evidence against the eight defendants was presented over four weeks and included CCTV, covert surveillance, forensics, mobile telephone downloads, and cell site mapping.
Sam was instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/croydon-burglary-gang-jailed-met-flying-squad-b1088840.html
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Operation Elite [Kingston CC] 2023
Importation of Class A Drugs
Defendants alleged to have imported approximately 100kgs of cocaine using a network of lorry drivers. Evidence comes from Operation Venetic.
Leading.
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Operation Brightley [Isleworth Crown Court] 2023
International Cash Couriers
Aska, led by Ben Temple, was instructed to represent one of five defendants in the first of a series of trials which alleged that a large number of couriers made / attempted to make a total of 85 flights from LHR to Dubai carrying suitcases containing over £100m in cash. Instructed by Brooklyn Law.
News report here.
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Operation Lynne [Chelmsford] 2023
OCG providing false passports for cash
Sam Willis, led by Dickon Reid, prosecuted this organised crime group who were facilitating illegal entry into the UK by providing false passports in exchange for cash. Over a six-week trial, evidence against the seven defendants was presented showing numerous trips to European cities where false passports were handed over to asylum seekers who then used them to board flights to the UK.
Legal issues during the case included the use of evidence from foreign law enforcement authorities, the admissibility of a modern slavery expert's opinion on the evidence, and the extent to which a claim to be a modern slave could amount to an abuse of process.
Sam was instructed by the CPS East of England Complex Casework Unit.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/people-smuggling-gang-jailed-for-26-years
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R v A&MD [Woolwich Crown Court] 2022
Drug Trading via Encrochat
William Davis, leading Sam Willis prosecuted a Metropolitan Police officer’s husband who used the EncroChat system to trade large quantities of cocaine and cannabis including drugs packaged with the Hublot luxury watch brand.
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R v HS [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to Supply Class A & B Drugs (Operation Ushanka)
Ria represented HS in a three-week multi-handed trial (one of five tranches) involving 29 defendants alleged to have been part of a lengthy conspiracy to supply Heroin, Cocaine and Cannabis at street level.
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Operation Caliadne [Woolwich] 2022
EncroChat cocaine supply conspiracy
Sam Willis, led by William Davis, prosecuted this EncroChat OCG who were involved in the supply of 30+ kilos of cocaine around London. The case was in the first wave of prosecutions following the infiltration of the Encro network, and the trial involved several admissibility arguments relating to the source, integrity and reliability of the data. A further complicating factor was that the lead defendant’s wife was a serving Met Police officer.
Sam was instructed by the CPS London Complex Casework Unit.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/b3a210dc-7986-11ed-bcd8-855e06175970
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R v Keet and Others [Kingston Crown Court] 2022
Britain's Biggest Ever Amphetamine Factory
William Davis leading Dickon Reid prosecuted a man who ran Britain's biggest ever amphetamine factory producing £10m of the drugs a month. He was sentenced for 18 years.
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R v H [Southampton CC] 2022
Supply of Multi Kilo Quantities of Class A Drugs
Mr H was heavily involved in the supply of multi kilo quantities of class A drugs. The evidence in the case was from his “enchrochat” telephone. On the day of trial Paul persuaded the Crown to accept a carefully crafted basis of plea. Mr H had previous convictions for drug dealing and had involved his vulnerable partner in the enterprise. Despite these aggravating features and the late plea, Paul was able to persuade the Judge to impose a sentence of only 7 years imprisonment.
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Operation Localizer [Kingston Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to Supply Class A
Leading Junior. Seven-handed conspiracy to supply cocaine allegation. Evidence comes from Operation Venetic material and surveillance operation [Instructed by CPS, London].
Six defendants convicted; no evidence offered against the seventh.
Sentence awaited.
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Operation Lexes [Southwark] 2021
Bollywood 'cash for visa' scam
Sam Willis, led by Rupert Kent, prosecuted this high-profile 'cash for visa' scam, focused around a company pretending to be involved in the Bollywood film industry. The 16-week trial resulted in unanimous guilty verdicts against six of the eight defendants. The jury heard how the 'employees' had been transferring their own money to the company, which was then used to pay the wage bill. This facade disguised the reality - that the company was not trading, that the 'employees' were not doing any real work, and that the 'employment' was merely a vehicle for the sale of worker visas. Sam was instructed by the CPS Special Casework Unit.
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R v BK [Southwark Crown Court] 2021
Conspiracy to Murder
William as appeared as junior counsel for a defendant charged with conspiracy to murder, in a case involving the assassination of a Swedish crime boss in London. William was instructed late and had to quickly get across the vast amount of material. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
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Operation Localizer [Kingston] 2021
Seven-handed conspiracy to supply cocaine from London to Brighton (EncroChat material)
Sam Willis, led by Ben Holt, prosecuted this criminal enterprise to transport large quantities of cocaine from London to Brighton for onward distribution. The evidence came from call data records, a surveillance operation, and 'EncroChat' Operation Venetic material, which all had to be carefully presented at trial.
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R v SB & Others [Southwark] 2021
Assassination of Rival International OCG
Gordon Carse, led by Jonathan Higgs KC, represented an alleged member of a Swedish hit team, hired to assassinate a leading member of a rival international OCG. The case made national headlines due to the professionalism of the assassination, in which latex masks and other disguises were used prior to the shooting. The shooting itself was designed to be shocking, taking place on Christmas Eve on the victim’s doorstep and in front of his family.
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Operation Edge [Woolwich] 2020
Multi-handed class A & B drugs conspiracy involving “Encro chat” devices
James Martin led Phoebe Bragg in this 4 week case involving surveillance evidence and evidence of “encro chat” devices. The defendant was accused of being the head of an organised criminal network trafficking large quantities of class A & B drugs and involved expert evidence regarding the use of “encro chat” as well as significant legal argument regarding bad character evidence.
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R v CU & Ors [Kingston] 2020
The Feltham Book Heist
Leading Charlotte Hole. The prosecution of 12 defendants for a number of high-value commercial burglaries, including the theft of rare books by Isaac Newton & Francisco Goya. The prosecution arose out of a JIT (Joint Investigation Team) with Romanian and Italian law enforcement and concerned legal issues in relation to the admissibility of extraterritorial evidence and the presentation of a significant amount of telephone and cell-site evidence. The case attracted considerable interest in the national and international press.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/dec/13/tome-raiders-solving-the-great-book-heist
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/heist-isaac-newton-galileo-romania-clamparu-b748240.html
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Operation Melrose [CCC] 2020
People Smuggling
Disclosure junior. Investigation into the 39 Vietnamese nationals who died in a lorry in Essex.
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R v JB & Another [Inner London] 2020
Possession of Firearm
Gordon Carse represented the lead defendant in an allegation of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The defendant was a well known ‘drill’ artist and the prosecution was heavily reliant upon bad character evidence of gang activity (including multiple murders). The defendant was acquitted by the jury.
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Operation Atoll [Kingston Crown Court] 2020
Armed Robbery
Aska was instructed as led junior counsel to prosecute seven defendants charged with armed robbery. The defendants targeted cash-in-transit deliveries and threatened security staff with loaded firearms, crowbars and other weapons. Through extensive analysis of cell-site and vehicle tracking data, their movements following cash-in-transit vans in the days prior to the robberies as they reconnoitred the routes were revealed. Instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Division.
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R v. IT & anr [Woolwich] 2020
Kidnap
Gregory Fishwick acted for this Defendant who along with another had been charged with kidnapping a young investment guru, who had brokered multi-million pound deals with a number of people. The investors had seen no returns for their monies and had lost all their capital. The Defendant had taken on a near half million debt to collect and used social media and a honey trap to corner the complainant. The Crown applied under the bad character provisions of the Criminal Justice Act to play the jury an episode of TV journalist Donal McIntyre’s criminal underworld programme that focused on this Defendant. This was resisted and rejected by the Judge.
Through persistent applications for disclosure of phone records, CCTV and most importantly bank statements it could be shown that the complainant was a serial fraudster who had lied throughout his account to the police and, most importantly, to the jury. Both Defendants were acquitted after a two-week trial within less than an hour. Instructed by Bark & Co Solicitors.
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R v. N [Newcastle] 2020
12-handed conspiracy to evade £2.6m duty on tobacco
Sam Willis was instructed as led-junior in this 12-handed tobacco importation matter. The overall duty evaded was calculated to be over £2.6 million. Preparation for the case required extensive analysis of mobile telephone billing data.
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Operation Buster [Leicester Crown Court] 2020
Drugs Importation & Supply
Rupert Kent was instructed by ABV Solicitors as a junior alone in this 11-handed drugs conspiracy case, involving the largescale importation and wholesale supply of drugs into and throughout the United Kingdom. The case comprised 12,000 pages of evidence, and this trial (one of four) was listed for 12 weeks.
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Rv. RB [Snaresbrook] 2019
Gangland Kidnapping
Gregory Fishwick acted in this case involving an allegation of gangland kidnap by a serious crime group from Eastern Europe. The complainant was said to have been taken from his car and bundled into another by a group of men. After a painstaking trawl of unused CCTV, it was shown that this simply could not have happened. Further, after a number of section 8 applications, disclosure was obtained that cast doubt on the complainant’s veracity due to ongoing mental health problems. The Judge stopped the case at the conclusion of the Crown’s evidence.
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R v Shariashvili & 6 Ors [Isleworth CC] 2019
Consp to Facilitate Illegal Immigration in the UK (Trial 1)
Mr Martin was leading Counsel for D1 with Peter Eguae as his Junior. This case (Operation MANDEBRAS) related to a Home Office Investigation into a suspected Organised Crime Group facilitating persons into the UK, through abuse of the ‘common travel area’ with the Republic of Ireland.
Legal issues involved consideration of the underlying immigration offences relied upon by the Crown, Cross-admissibility as between the different counts and whether the Crown had fallen foul of indicting a single conspiracy when it appeared that there were multiple agreements at play.
Following extensive legal argument at the close of the Crown’s case (and the close of all the evidence) the indictment was left with only one substantive offence against the main defendants for the Jury to consider from what had been significantly wider allegations. As a result the Jury were discharged and a retrial was ordered for that one remaining Count against the 4 defendants.
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Operation Augusta [Southwark Crown Court] 2019
Violent Disorder
Aska prosecuted 18 defendants charged with violent disorder arising from a “Free Tommy Robinson” demonstration on 9th June 2018. The investigation included over 400 witness statements and 200 hours’ worth of CCTV, BWV and police Evidence Gatherer footage. All defendants pleaded guilty. Instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Division.
News report here.
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R v T & 2 ors [Court of Appeal Criminal Division] 2019
Firearms
Rupert Kent was instructed by the CPS Appeals & Review Unit as a junior alone to respond in this 3-handed appeal against conviction. The appeal related to the admission of, and directions relating to, wide-ranging gang evidence.
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Operation Suina [Kingston] 2019
£8m nationwide Drug Supply operation
Charlotte Newell led Dickon Reid in this 2 month Prosecution of an organised crime network involving 11 Defendants for a multi-million pound nationwide Class A drug dealing operation, the proceeds of which were laundered through a series of sham companies.
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Operation Italici [C.C.C] 2019
Importation of Anabolic Steroids from India & Singapore
Ben Holt has successfully prosecuted a case involving the importation of unlicensed anabolic steroids (AAS) from India and Singapore. The gang imported more than 40 tonnes of illicit anabolic steroids and is said to be ‘the most prolific of its kind ever uncovered'. One member of that gang was also linked to another gang involved in the production and distribution of steroids from an underground AAS factory in the United Kingdom. Five Defendants were convicted following two six week trials.
Instructed by the CPS Organised Crime Division; investigated by the NCA in Belfast.
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Operation Towchester [Inner London Crown Court] 2019
Conspiracy to Supply Drugs
Aska was led by Jeffery Israel representing the third defendant in this six-handed, eight-week trial. Aska represented her client, charged with 14 counts of conspiracy to supply drugs worth over £3.5m and possession of criminal property, from the outset. The evidence consisted of +100k pages of evidence and unused material. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
News report here.
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R v CB & Others [Inner London] 2019
Multi-Handed County Line Drug Operations
Gordon Carse, led by Danny Robinson QC, prosecuted 21 individuals, over multiple trials, who were charged with a multiple county lines drug dealing operations. All defendants were either convicted or entered guilty pleas for their involvement.
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R v X [Central Criminal Court] 2018
Conspiracy to commit GBH with intent
Nick Robinson acted for this 16 year old defendant who was accused of conspiring to commit GBH with intent. The case concerned a large fight outside a 16th birthday party in east London, which escalated to the point that the victim was fatally stabbed by a co-defendant. The defendant was said to be part of group who chased the victim before attacking him when he fell to the ground. Instructed by Talia Coles of Edwards Duthie.
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R v. O & ors [Wood Green] 2018
"County Lines" Drugs Conspiracy
James Brown was lead Counsel for the Crown in this “County lines” drugs conspiracy, 5 week trial in August 2018.
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R v. W & 7 ors [C.C.C] 2018
Large scale human trafficking operation
Valeria Swift represented this defendant, one of only two defendants to be acquitted, following a 3 month Old Bailey trial concerning a Kent based gang accused of smuggling migrants into the UK. Instructed by Cantaris Locke Solicitors.
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R v. V & 7 ors [C.C.C] 2018
Large scale human trafficking operation
Dominic Webber represented this defendant, one of only two defendants to be acquitted, following a 3 month Old Bailey trial concerning a Kent based gang accused of smuggling migrants into the UK. Instructed by Martyn Hewett Solicitors.
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R v. L [C.C.C] 2018
Conspiracy to facilitate breach of immigration law
Paul Jackson acted in defence of a male (1 of 8) charged with conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of the immigration law of the UK. The modus operandi alleged was the bringing of illegal Albanians across the Channel in RHIBs. This NCA investigation involved cell site, phone call analysis, CCTV, ANPR and probe material. Instructed by TS Law.
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Operation Patipo [Woolwich] 2018
Large Scale Importation of firearms, ammunition and Class A drugs
Charlotte Newell represented this young woman accused of conspiracy to possess firearms and live ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess large amounts of Class A drugs importing them in to the UK via the Eurotunnel. Found not guilty on all charges after trial. Instructed by Bark and Co
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R v. F & ors [Southwark] 2018
Importation of 100 kilos of cocaine by helicopter
James Brown was leading Counsel for the Crown in this case involving the Importation of 100 kilos of cocaine by helicopter, landing at luxury hotels in Kent.
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R v JP [Snaresbrook] 2018
Supply of Cocaine
Nick Robinson acted for this defendant accused of conspiring to supply 3kg of highly pure cocaine into the Isle of Dogs. Instructed by Duncan Frost of Foxes Solicitors.
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R v. H [Southwark] 2018
Conspiracies to Steal and Rob
Paul Jackson acted for the Defence of male charged with conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to rob. The defendant was allegedly part of a gang that would steal motorbikes and then use them to rob individuals of high value items in the West End of London. Instructed by Joseph Hill Solicitors.
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R v. K & ors [Snaresbrook] 2018
Multi Kilo class A Drugs conspiracy
James Brown prosecuted this East London organised crime network for a Multi-kilo class A drugs conspiracy at a 5 week trial at Snaresbrook CC in January 2018.
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Operation Bloomeria [2017-2018] 2018
Prosecution of a network of paedophiles
Charlotte Newell was instructed by CPS International & Organised Crime division Prosecuted this network of individuals for offences by paedophiles including streaming child sexual abuse on an online conferencing platform including the live streaming of a rape of a child in the USA.
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R v Seabrook & ors [Woolwich] 2018
Conspiracy to supply drugs
Charlotte Hole, instructed by the CPS SE Complex Casework Unit, was led by Martin Yale, Senior Crown Advocate, in a 5 week prosecution of 5 defendants charged with conspiracy to supply drugs with a street value of over £10m, after 951kg of cannabis was found in a lorry load of rabbit hay. The case involved large volumes of telephone records, cell site evidence, and disputed evidence of co-location.
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R v. G [Maidstone] 2018
False Imprisonment and Torture
Paul Jackson acted for the defence of a male who falsely imprisoned and then tortured the victim. The assault included slashing and then holding a hot iron to the victim’s face. Instructed by T.S. Law
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R v. Zefi & ors [Kingston] 2017
Conspiracy to supply large quantities of class A drugs
Danny Robinson led Paul Jackson in this successful prosecution of males charged with conspiracy to supply large quantities of class A drugs and then launder the proceeds. This was a NCA investigation. The defendants were sentenced to a total of 44 years imprisonment.
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R v Ruta Sperskaite & ors [Croydon] 2017
Sham Marriages Prosecution
William Davis was Instructed as Junior Defence Counsel for one of six Defendants charged with conspiracy to facilitate unlawful immigration by arranging sham marriages. The Defendants were Lithuanian and arranged for women to travel to the UK to marry non-EEA nationals.
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R v. B [Wood Green] 2017
Money Laundering over £200,000 in cash
Senghin Kong prosecuted B for possession of criminal property following the seizure of over £200,000 in cash during the course of a joint National Crime Agency / Metropolitan Police operation. Instructed by CPS London.
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R v. Agostinho & ors [Kingston] 2017
Conspiracy to possess prohibited weapons
Paul Jackson acted for the defence of male charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess prohibited weapons. This case stemmed from armed Police forcing entry to a flat containing nine males. Upon entry three of the males entered a balcony and were seen to throw items out. The Police later recovered from the grounds around the flat a loaded revolver and a loaded Uzi pistol. The Crown alleged that the nine defendants were part of a gang about to carry out a revenge attack. Mr Agostinho’s previous conviction for the armed robbery of a cash-in-transit van was admitted. Defendant found not guilty. Mr Jackson’s experience in serious gang related crime (see Awoyemi for example) proved vitally important.
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R v. Giang Huong Tran [Stafford] 2017
Prosecutions brought under the Modern Slavery Act 2015
William Davis was Defence Counsel in one of the first prosecutions brought under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for subjecting victims to forced or compulsory labour. The Defendants were Vietnamese and owned nail bars in Bath and Burton-upon-Trent. The police found young Vietnamese girls working there who had entered the UK illegally and were alleged to be working without pay in return for food and accommodation. The case is to be the subject of a BBC documentary series in 2018.
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R v. Whitlock & Baker [Blackfriars] 2017
Escape from HMP Pentonville
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this escape from HMP Pentonville by two cell mates serving substantial sentences. Whitlock & Baker sawed through a bar, crossed a roof and swung out on a CCTV pole before going on the run, being caught after 6 and 2 days.
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R v CG [Snaresbrook] 2017
Conspiracies to commit Armed Robberies
Nick Robinson acted for the defendant who was cleared of all charges in this conspiracy to commit armed robberies. Defendant was one of a number of teenagers involved in a conspiracy to commit 22 knife point robberies of taxi drivers in East London. Instructed by The Stokoe Partnership.
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R v. Sewell & ors [Canterbury] 2017
Conspiracies to commit Armed Robbery
Paul Jackson acted in this successful defence of male stopped by armed Police whilst driving through Kent with two others. When the car was searched machetes and balaclavas were found. Prosecution stopped following legal argument. Instructed by Imran Khan & Partners.
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R v MT & Ors [Blackfriars] 2017
Kidnap and Blackmail
James Martin was junior alone in this case that was said to involve a gang related kidnap and blackmail that was connected to the distribution of drugs. Case against MT was built on the concept of Joint Enterprise. Said to have allowed her house to be used by other members to kidnap, attack and blackmail another. Unanimously acquitted by the Jury. Instructed by Hodge Jones Allen.
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R v. Khan & Barclay [C.C.C.] 2017
Revenge Stabbing
Catherine Farrelly was prosecution Counsel in this trial of two defendants for the pre-meditated revenge stabbing of another in connection with a drug-deal gone awry. The case involved the analysis of a significant amount of telephone evidence in addition to expert cell site and voice recognition evidence.
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R v. MB & ors [Croydon] 2017
Cash in Transit Robberies
Gordon Carse defended in this multi-handed conspiracy to commit cash in transit robberies. The defendant and his team were alleged to be responsible for all cash in transit robberies in the South East of England in the first half of 2016. Following halftime submissions verdicts of not guilty were directed by the Learned Judge. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v MS & Ors [Southwark] 2017
Conspiracy to Steal and Burgle
James Martin leading Lizzie Wilson as led Junior. Case involved allegations that MS was the leading figure in a conspiracy to steal to order high value motor cars either by keyless thefts or by burglaries where the car keys were stolen. It was a sophisticated operation where cars were stolen to order which had a total value of well over £2m
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Operation Kilburn [Maidstone] 2016
Immigration Scam
Edmund Fowler led Dickon Reid for the Crown in this complex multi-handed conspiracies to facillitate the illegal immigration of 83 individuals from France.
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R v. Weise [Canterbury] 2016
Importation of 42 kilos Class A drugs
Sue Rodham defended this German National whom was acquitted by the jury for his alleged role in the importation of 42 kilos of class A drugs through the "EuroTunnel" port in Kent. Instructed by Sternberg Reed Solicitors.
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Operation Slate [Wood Green] 2016
Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs
Catherine Pattison led Dickon Reid in this case case involving ten defendants charged with supplying large quantities of heroin across North London.
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R v. Miah [Bristol] 2016
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs
Paul Jackson represented a male accused of being the leader of a London based gang that supplied huge quantities of class A drugs to Swindon as part of a multi-handed conspiracy. This case centred around the close analysis of cell site evidence.
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R v. MSA & ors [Croydon] 2016
Conspiracy to Supply Firearms
Sue Rodham successfully represented this defendant whom was cleared of any involvement in trading firearms after detectives uncovered their stash of hand guns, 300 ammunition rounds, thousands of bullet casings and a bomb-making manual. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. Eren & ors [Wood Green] 2016
Plan to commit armed escape from Wood Green Crown Court
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this six-handed conspiracy to escape and possession of imitation firerarm case at the Crown Court at Woolwich, as a sole junior. The case centred around a plot to free Izzet Eren whilst he was being transported to Crown Court at Wood Green to be sentenced for firearms offences. During the police police operation to disrupt the planned offence, a firearms officer shot dead a man in the car with the conspirators.
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Operation Volmar [Croydon] 2016
Conspiracies to Facilitate illegal entry
Irshad Sheikh defended in this substantial conspiracy to obtain vast sums from local authorities and individuals through carers recruited in breach of immigration law and the consequent laundering of the criminal proceeds . Instructed by EBR Attridge.
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R v. S & ors [Snaresbrook] 2016
Firearms
Jeffrey Israel was defence Counsel in this 3 month guns and ammunition conspiracy.
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R v. Vassell & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
6-handed kidnap, torture and blackmail
Jonathan Polnay successfully prosecuted this 6-handed kidnap, blackmail and torture case at the Central Criminal Court. Following a perceived drug debt, the Defendants kidnapped the victim and held him hostage. He was made the subejct of numerous sadistic assaults when the demanded ransom was not paid.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/reservoir-dogs-inspired-gang-tortured-7313282
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R v. O [Croydon] 2016
NCA Drugs Operation
Senghin Kong instructed to prosecute the last defendant charged in a substantial NCA drugs operation. The case involved complex cell site and telephone evidence. Instructed by CPS Organised Crime Division.
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R v. Arthy & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Conspiracy to import Firearms
Charlotte Newell appeared for the defence of a female defendant accused and cleared of conspiring to import vast amounts of automatic weaponry after a lengthy Old Bailey trial. Instructed by Thos Boyd Whyte.
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Operation Linear [Nottingham] 2016
Rape and human trafficking
Prosecution by Queen’s Counsel of 23 defendants charged on an 80 count indictment. Orla Daly acted unled in defence of the second defendant, a 17 year old facing allegations including rape and human trafficking. Successful abuse of process application was appealed by the prosecution. Continued to act in the Court of Appeal where the Crown Court judge’s ruling was upheld in all but one respect. Complex case involving issues of capacity and consent as well as abuse of process. Now a leading case on indecent images: R v W (P) & others (2016) 2 Cr App. R. 27. Instructed by EBR Attridge LLP.
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R v. Bucur & ors [Southwark] 2016
People Trafficking
Rishi Nathwani, leading Hannah Wyatt, represented 1 of 9 Defendants charged with people trafficking for sexual exploitation and linked controlling prostitution charges. Successfully applied to dismiss three of the four counts faced by the Defendant. Thereafter, the Crown’s main evidence was successfully excluded, some of which related to complex hearsay arguments. After further legal arguments relating to disclosure and admissibility of evidence that had been tampered with by the Investigating officers, the jury were discharged after 12 days and the Crown formally offered no evidence to the remaining counts faced by this client. Instructed by Hodge Jones Allen.
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R v. Campbell & ors [Birmingham] 2016
Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs
James Martin instructed as junior alone. Large scale conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.
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R v. Owen & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Largest ever importation of firearms into the UK
James Martin instructed as junior alone. Largest ever importation of firearms into the UK. Weapons were military grade assault rifles of the type that could have been used in a "Paris Style" attack on the UK mainland. Weapons were smuggled in to the country on a boat into Kent where they were intercepted by armed under cover officers
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R v. J & ors [Isleworth] 2016
Supply of Firearms & Ammunition
Robert Ellison led Dickon Reid in this case involving four defendants charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and with the supply of firearms and ammunition. The defendants were accused of robbing drug dealers at gunpoint of cash and drugs.
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R v. M & ors [Snaresbrook] 2016
Conspiracies to Rob
Dickon Reid was led by Peter Clement in this case involving six defendants charged with conspiracy to rob. The defendants were part of a group responsible for a number of robberies in East London during which victims were attacked with a baseball bat.
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Operation Sifiye [Snaresbrook] 2016
Conspiracy to import cocaine
Catherine Pattison led Dickon Reid in this case involving thirteen defendants charged with conspiring to import large quantities of cocaine secreted in golf clubs and golf bags. Two trials involving complicated telephone evidence lasted a total of five and a half months in 2015-2016.
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Operation Peltier 2016
People trafficking
Gordon Carse instructed as prosecution counsel in this multi-handed prosecution founded on a joint investigation between the Hungarian and Metropolitan police into the trafficking of around 200 woman for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The trial is estimated to last several months.
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R v. V C & 8 ors [Southwark] 2016
People Trafficking
James Martin appeared as leading counsel. 9 defendants charged with people trafficking for the purposes of prostitution and money laundering the proceeds. This case involved a protracted investigation into the alleged conspirators. The evidence centred around flight manifests, Money transfer records, mobile phone downloads and anonymous hearsay evidence taken from internet companies that advertised the prostitutes said to be under the control of the defendants. After substantial legal argument the Crown were persuaded to drop the case against this defendant.
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R v. Anwar & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Attempted Murder
Catherine Farrelly leading Senghin Kong in this prosecution of 6 defendants on charges including attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery and conspiracy to rob. At the close of the prosecution case the learned Judge upheld submissions of no case to answer on the charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery. As a result the prosecution appealed this at an expedited hearing. The Court of Appeal allowed the prosecution appeal and the trial continued on all charges. Leveson LJ gave the judgment of the court reported here. The 6 defendants were eventually convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery and conspiracy to rob. The case involved complex cell site evidence and legal argument. Guardian report here.
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R v Mirza Hussain & ors [Croydon] 2015
Conspiracy to facilitate a breach of immigration law
William Davis was Junior Prosecution Counsel. The Defendants were charged with conspiracy to facilitate a breach of immigration law. They conspired to provide forged Dutch passports to non-EU nationals enabling them to make false applications for Home Office residence certificates.
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R v. AS & 17ors [Cambridge] 2015
conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs
Irshad Sheikh defended in this conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs – a case involving many hours of covert audio recordings and over 50,000 pages of statements and documentary exhibits.Instructed by Bailey Nicholson Grayson.
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R v. Shaibu & Nelson [C.C.C.] 2015
Discharge of automatic weapons at PCSO
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this two handed trial at the Old Bailey involving a proposed revenge attack to seek retribution on a group they believed was responsible for assaulting one of their gang associates armed with a submachine gun. A PCSO who heard the altercation intervened and was shot at but was unhurt. The defendants were jailed for 24 years & 12 years.
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R v. K & ors [Bristol] 2015
Manufacture of Crystal Meth
Irshad Sheikh was lead Counsel for this defendant in the 5 month Bristol "Breaking Bad" trial involving the production and manufacture of industrial quantities of crystal meth. Instructed by HP Gower.
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R v. W & ors [Bristol] 2015
Conspiracy to Supply Drugs
Martin Hooper led Samantha Bonner in a 13 week trial at Bristol Crown Court regarding a conspiracy to produce crystal meth, MDMA and amphetamine. The case involved disclosure and PII issues with complex legal argument regarding the police probe on which the Crown’s case was based.
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R v. RS & ors [Snaresbrook] 2015
Firearms & Drugs Conspiracies
Jeffrey Israel defended in a number of linked trials that involve allegations of conspiracy to transfer guns and ammunition, as well as vast quantities of cocaine and heroin. Much of the evidence revolves around telephone schedules.
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Operation Crow [Maidstone] 2015
Conspiracy to import cocaine
Ben Temple led Dickon Reid in this case involving fourteen defendants charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis into the United Kingdom.
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R v. Dirda & ors [Canterbury] 2015
People Trafficking
Jonathan Higgs QC leading Paul Jackson in the defence of male charged along with others with rape and enforced prostitution. The complainant alleged that when she was 13 years old she was forced to consume class A drugs, forced into prostitution and raped on multiple occasions. The trial was stopped after 2 months at half-time following successful submissions of no case to answer based on the unreliability of the complainant. This case included the cross-examination of a vulnerable 16 year old witness through an interpreter and intermediary and application for third party disclosure from a different country. The served unused disclosure amounted to thousands of pages in this case. Instructed by TS Law. News report here.
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R v. Ymeraj & ors [Portsmouth] 2015
Paul Walker acted as eading junior for the “Albanian connection” in a 14 handed conspiracy to supply cocaine trial. The case concerned a “multi million pound” drugs operation and lasted for 8 weeks. Instructed by Edward Hayes LLP, junior Hannah Smith.
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R v. S 2015
Armed Robbery
Ben Holt prosecution counsel in an armed robbery trial. Crown’s case relied solely on ANPR, cell site and other circumstantial evidence. Defendant convicted and imprisoned for life.
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R v. Galvin & ors [Cambridge] 2015
Conspiracy to supply A and C drugs
James Martin appeared as defence counsel in a multi-handed conspiracy to supply cannabis and cocaine. This was a large intelligence led operation which centred on the activities of one of the defendants said to be the head of an organised crime group which was supplying large quantities of both Cocaine and Cannabis. The key evidence came from a combination of phone/cell site evidence and the product of a covert listening device placed in the car of the lead defendant.
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R v. M & ors [C.C.C.] 2015
Armed robberies
Alison Wilkes instructed as sole prosecutor on a five-handed trial at the Central Criminal Court. 2 armed robberies of a Bangladeshi money transfer business in which £340,000 was stolen. Case built on CCTV together with cell site evidence and call pattern analysis. Evidence of lifestyle and post-offence spending a particular issue.
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R v. S [Inner London] 2015
Conspiracy to Supply Drugs
Senghin Kong prosecuted a defendant for possession of over £20,000 worth of Class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of a loaded firearm with intent to endanger life.
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R v. N & ors [Bristol] 2015
Conspiracy to produce crystal methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA
Pieter Briegel led Hannah Wyatt in this 12 week Bristol trial, defending a senior member of a conspiracy to produce crystal methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA. An unusual case due to the lack of knowledge about crystal methamphetamine in the UK and involving over 500 hours of covert audio recordings. Instructed by Blackfords LLP.
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R v. Cohen & ors [Kingston] 2015
Conspiracies to commit Armed Robbery
Jonathan Higgs QC defended a Hatton Garden jeweller in a long running Kingston trial involving armed robberries upon Mappin & Webb in the City, Prada and Jimmy Choo in Bond Street and Alexander McQueen's wharehouse in Islington. Instructed by Blackfords LLP.
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R v. O & ors [Snaresbrook] 2015
Drugs, Kidnap & Wounding
Christopher Sutton-Mattocks led Andrew Collings on the first trial who then led Samantha Bonner in a long running trial and re-trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court involving multiple incidents of kidnapping false imprisonment and GBH over a failed drug deal. Those kidnapped were burned to the face and body with irons whilst falsely imprisoned.
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R v. Castano & ors [Snaresbrook] 2015
Supply of Cocaine
Catherine Farrelly was instructed for Prosecution in this cases involving four defendants in relation to the supply of 1 kilogram of cocaine with an estimated street value of £100,000.
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R v. AH & ors [Woolwich] 2015
Large scale Supply of Cocaine & Heroin
Nick Robinson acted for this defendant, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. The trial, which lasted several weeks, involved a London based gang who operated a 'drugs line' in Hertfordshire. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. HB & ors [Southwark] 2015
Conspiracy to handle stole mobile telephones
Nick Robinson was the Led junior in a case involving the organised and dishonest trading in an estimated £5million of stolen mobile phones. The case involved several months of covert video and audio recordings, taken from within the storage facility which the gang operated from. Instructed by MTG Solicitors.
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R v H-G [Southwark] 2015
Conspiracy to import 100KG of cocaine to the UK from Columbia, concealed in pallets of bananas.
Natasha Wong QC was trial counsel for defendant accused of conspiracy to import 100KG of cocaine to the UK from Columbia, concealed in pallets of bananas. Instructed by LP Evans
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R v. S [Guildford] 2015
Conspiracy to burgle high value motor vehicles
Senghin Kong represented one of five defendants charged with conspiracy to burgle high value motor vehicles worth over £100,000. Following negotiation, there was a plea on a basis which resulted in a suspended sentence. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v Anthony Okoh [Woolwich] 2014
Multi-handed prosecution for conspiracy to facilitate a breach of immigration law
William Davis was Junior Prosecution Counsel in a multi-handed prosecution for conspiracy to facilitate a breach of immigration law. The Defendants established and ran a company providing security guards to the construction industry. They employed illegal immigrants to work as security guards and exploited them, requiring them to work excessively long hours for paltry wages.
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R v. T.N & ors [Wood Green] 2014
Conspiracy to Steal High Value Motor Vehicles
Irshad Sheikh represented this defendant on a Long running Wood Green trial involving a large-scale conspiracy to steal £10m worth of high value motor vehicles such Range Rovers and Ferrari's.
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R v. AB 2014
Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life
Gordon Carse appeared as sole prosecution counsel in a possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life trial. This prosecution arose from an Operation Trident investigation and related to a loaded sawn off shotgun and ammunition. The case relied upon interpretation of DNA evidence and resulted in a conviction.
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Operation Listado 2014
Conspiracy to supply of class A drugs
Gordon Carse instructed as sole counsel by the defence in multi-handed, multi-kilo supply of cocaine trial. This observation case placed significant reliance on covert listening devices, cell site evidence, ANPR records, call data and text messages. The defendant was the only one acquitted.
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Operation Kennedy [Portsmouth] 2014
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs
Gordon Carse led Ben Holt for the defence in this multi-handed Class A conspiracy trial. The defendant was alleged to have been part of a conspiracy to supply over £600,000 of cocaine in and around the Portsmouth area. The defendant’s involvement and role were underpinned by cocaine found in his possession, call data and text messages. The defendant was acquitted. Sentences totalling 54 years imprisonment were handed down.
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R v. Kharrahassan & ors [C.C.C.] 2014
Importation of £5m of Cocaine
Sarah Forshaw QC leading Charlotte Newell represented a greengrocer who was charged and cleared of smuggling £5m of cocaine in fruit and vegetables. Co-defendants sentenced to 17 years. instructed by Bark & Co.
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R v. T [Chelmsford] 2014
Firearms and drugs
Ben Holt represented a defendant charged with possession of firearm with intent to endanger life and drug supply offences. Convicted of the drug matters and simple possession of the gun. Sentenced to an eight-year term of imprisonment.
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R v. B & ors [Basildon] 2014
Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs
Pieter Briegel led Danny Robinson in this 12 week drugs conspiracy trial in which an undercover Police officer was subjected to attack and had to jump from a first floor window to flee his assailants. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte.
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R v. Gibney & ors [C.C.C.] 2014
Kidnap & Blackmail
James Martin was junior alone in this Multi-handed conspiracy to Kidnap and Blackmail. This case concerned the enforcement of a drugs debt. The principle defendant was a drugs dealer and the man kidnaped dealt for him. He had built up a significant debt and was taken from the street and held for most of the day. His family were contacted and demands for money were made.
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R v RW & ors [Bristol] 2014
£20m Conspiracy to Supply Heroin
Jeffrey Israel represented the main defendant in one of the largest ever UK conspiracies to supply heroin (80kgs) worth £20m.
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R v. Prospere [Turks & Caicos Islands] 2014
Supreme Court Providenciales
Fiona Ryan appeared at the Supreme Court Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, in respect of an armed robbery trial which stopped at half time following submission of no case to answer.
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Operation Arrow [Bristol] 2014
Large Scale International Drug Importation
Jeffrey Israel was instructed for the defence in this 8 week trial involving the supply of huge quantities of cocaine at 98% purity, as well as possession of firearms. Instructed by Thos Boyd Whyte.
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R v. Cisse & 5 ors [Croydon] 2014
Conspiracies to commit armed robberies
Robert Ellison acted as leading junior. A conspiracy to commit armed robberies. Issues included complex circumstantial evidence based upon telephone data and data from vehicle security tracking systems.
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R v. Bui & ors [Woolwich] 2013
People Trafficking, Rape & Sham Marriages
Nick Robinson was the led junior in a case in which the Defendant was accused of trafficking a vulnerable Roma gypsy for exploitation, conspiring to enter into a 'sham marriage' and multiple rapes. Instructed by Vickers Solicitors.
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R v. B & ors [Harrow] 2013
Bogus college immigration fraud
Jonathan Higgs QC led Jonathan Polnay and Senghin Kong prosecuting three defendants involved in running a bogus college for conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. The defendants were convicted after a 3 month trial. The case involved complex legal argument in relation to Griffiths-type conspiracies and substantial disputed evidence from forensic accountants. Senghin Kong was instructed to prosecute the resulting 3 day confiscation hearing without a leader, against three QCs and juniors. Instructed by CPS Central Fraud Group.
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R v. J & ors [Snaresbrook] 2013
Kidnap / False Imprisonment
Andrew Collings Successfully defended the first defendant in this 6 week kidnap / false imprisonment trial .Complicated factual background to case involving, “turf war “of rival drug gangs. High profile press interest as third defendant related to international singer.
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R v. DT & ors [Bristol] 2013
Conspiracy to import cocaine
Jeffrey Israel defended in a large-scale nationwide cocaine conspiracy involving 11 defendants. The evidence comprised of telephone data from over 100 telephones and extensive covert surveillance.
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R v. Osolase [Canterbury] 2013
Human Trafficking
Anthony Orchard QC was defence Counsel in this trial involving allegations of human trafficking, rape, sexual assaults and ritual assault (voodoo) relating to young girls trafficked from Nigeria via the UK to Europe. Issues dealt with included admissibility of overseas evidence; mobile telephone and cell site analysis; issues of character (defendant and witnesses); extensive video testimony and alleged organized ritual assault said to be used as a control mechanism.
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R v. F & ors [Canterbury] 2013
Conspiracy to assist Unlawful Immigration
Mark Dacey led Senghin Kong defending an accounts manager at a security company. The defendant was charged with two counts of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. The allegation was that the company was receiving refugee passports unlawfully issued by a corrupt Home Office official. The defendant was acquitted of one of the counts at the close of the prosecution case following a successful submission of no case to answer, and acquitted of the other by the jury after a 3 month trial. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v. R & ors [Croydon] 2013
Kidnap trial
Catherine Pattison led Ben Holt for the prosecution in this 5-handed kidnap trial. This case involved counsel reviewing a considerable amount of unused material. This included downloads from over 40 mobile telephones.There were numerous issues relating to sensitive disclosure. The case against the defendants was solely reliant on cell-site and tracker evidence. One defendant was convicted and received a prison sentence of 12 years. Instructed to draft respondent’s notice to appeal. Leave refused; renewed in front of the full Court and refused. (Investigated by Kidnap & Special Investigation Unit of the Met, instructed by CPS SCU).
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Operation Shido 2012
Kidnap & Conspiracy to Rob
Rishi Nathwani represented one of 8 Defendants charged with conspiring to kidnap and rob a known drug dealer of over £1 million worth of cocaine and over £100k in cash. Trident officers conducted a surveillance operation on the Defendants, who themselves were conducting a surveillance operation on the intended target. This Defendant accepted purchasing a tracking device that was placed under the target's vehicle and also accepted travelling from London to Brighton around the same time as the target and his vehicle travelled to that location, with the Crown maintaining the purpose was to follow the target. Evidence against the Defendant also revolved around cell site data and text messages. 4 weeks into the trial, the Court (HHJ Stow) upheld a submission of no case to answer after careful cell site analysis. The Defendant was the only Defendant acquitted of all counts, with others receiving between 7-10 years imprisonment.
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R v. Pooke [Maidstone] 2012
Conspiracy to commit Armed Robberies
James Martin Led by Trevor Burke QC in this conspiracy to commit armed robberies from 2001. Defendant was the only man not caught up in the original operation which produced four trials. There are issues of Abuse of Process and other complex issues relating to potential ramifications of the evidence given by other defendants in the original trials.
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R v. RB & ors [Maidstone] 2012
Evasion of Duty
James Martin was junior alone in this multi-handed conspiracy to import counterfeit cigarettes worth several million pounds. Successfully defended man accused of being involved in a conspiracy to import lorry full of cigarettes. Main defendant was accused of being the centre of plan to use his legitimate haulage company to run large imports of counterfeit cigarettes into the UK from Europe.
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R v. Dos Santos & ors [Blackfriars] 2012
Martin Hooper was leading counsel for the prosecution. This was an allegation of a large importation and conspiracy to distribute Crystal Meth. The trial lasted two months and resulted in convictions and sentences of up to 15 years. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal where the lord Chief Justice asked for the Crown to assist in sentencing guidelines. This is currently the leading authority on this topic.
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R v. Cleland & 6 ors [Ipswich] 2012
£3.3m Evasion of Duty
Mark Dacey defended in this lengthy trial of 7 men for the evasion of import duties on over 20 million smuggled cigarettes. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte.
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R v. JB & ors [Croydon] 2011
People Trafficking
Jeffrey Israel represented a man accused of trafficking over 50 women from Eastern Europe under false pretences and forcing them to work as prostitutes.
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R v. BH & ors [Isleworth] 2011
Importation of 16 tonnes of Cannabis worth £50million
Nick Robinson was the Led Junior in this long running trial, in a case involving the importation of 16 tonnes of cannabis, with a street value of £50 million. Instructed by Parfitt Law.
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R v. RP & 11 ors [Manchester] 2010
Firearms
Jeffrey Israel defended a young defendant (15) who was accused along with 12 others of conspiring to supply over 100 prohibited firearms including machine-guns and hand grenades between criminal gangs up and down the country. Enormous amounts of telephone evidence, surveillance evidence, CCTV, and complex ‘low copy’ DNA evidence.
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R v. JK [Wood Green] 2009
Conspiracy to supply drugs
Valeria Swift instructed as defence junior in this conspiracy to supply drugs. Represented only defendant to be found not guilty in very long trial. Successful result contingent on careful analysis of telephone evidence and extensive intrusive surveillance authorised under RIPA.
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Operation Deliver [C.C.C.] 2009
£53m Tonbridge Securitas Heist
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R v. JK & ors [Reading] 2009
Conspiracy to supply drugs
Mark Dacey led Valeria Swift for the defence in this complex Conspiracy to supply drugs. They represented the only defendant to be found not guilty after a 3 month trial – successful result contingent on careful analysis of telephone evidence and extensive intrusive surveillance authorised under RIPA. Instructed by Dhanju Mclean.
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R v. Pennells & ors [Winchester] 2005
Conspiracies to Rob
Martin Hooper was leading junior Counsel in this case involving allegations of large scale conspiracies to rob commercial premises of high value computer equipment. They involved challenging surveillance evidence including covert bugging, communication interception and PII issues. The trials lasted two and three months, both resulting in acquittals.
