Information on Loughborough

Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Posted on 24/02/2010

cannabis, weed, drugs Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Thirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime.

The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains.

Over the past few days, a number of warrants have been executed under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act resulting in thirteen arrests.

On Wednesday February 10, 2010 a warrant was executed at an address in West End, Long Whatton, where a 49-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man were arrested, on suspicion of money laundering. Both have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.  Goods recovered from the property include what are believed to be counterfeit coins, large amounts of cash and premium bonds.  A restraint order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has also been applied by the Force’s Economic Crime Unit, in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service, placing over £1m worth of properties under restraint.

On Friday February 19, 2010, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, after officers executed a warrant at an address in Ellis Close, Glenfield.  A large quantity of cash was recovered from the address.  The man has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

On Sunday February 21, 2010, two 29-year-old men, a 24-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of offences including cannabis production, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and money laundering. A search of an address in Hillsborough Close, Eyres Monsell resulted in the discovery of a cannabis factory, a large quantity of Class A drugs and cash and the recovery of two luxury vehicles.  All four men have since been released on police bail.

On Monday February 22, 2010, warrants were executed at:

  • An address in Mill Lane, Loughborough and two addresses in Belton Road, Loughborough.  Two men aged 39 and 26 were arrested on suspicion of drugs and money laundering offences.  They continue to be questioned by police.  Property recovered from the addresses include Class A and Class B drugs, numerous electrical items, cash, designer clothing and a vehicle.
  • An address in Skippon Close, Market Harborough where two 25-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.  One man has been charged with obstructing a police constable; the other has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

This morning (Tuesday February 23), two men aged 24 and 26 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences after warrants were executed at addresses in Herle Walk and Gooding Avenue, Leicester  A vehicle, cash and other possible counterfeit items and luxury goods were recovered.  The two men remain in police custody.

D/Insp. Tange Bhakta, of the Force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “This has been an excellent start to our campaign to target criminals living off the proceeds of crime.

“We can use legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act to pursue criminals through the courts and take back their ill-gotten gains.

“The recent arrests show that we will not tolerate this type of crime in our neighbourhoods and I would encourage the public to contact Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111* with details of people who they think are living an extravagant life from the proceeds of crime.”

Further arrests are planned to take place in the forthcoming days.

*Some mobile phone network operators may charge for this call.