A UK-based organised crime gang of Indian-origin people has been busted after a two-year investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The gang, involved in laundering millions of pounds, distributed class A and B drugs, and attempted to illegally obtain £1.5 million in government grants, according to the NCA. One of the British-Indians was sentenced to 13 years in jail.
The gang consisted of three Indian-origin individuals — Rickinder Hare, Neelen Balarajah, and Hitesh Vadolia.
To date, the NCA has seized over £1.2 million in cash and £3,50,000 in assets, including a ‘Gucci’ embossed box containing over £20,000 in cash and a diamond-encrusted Rolex Daytona watch worth over £2,00,000.
Neelen Balarajah was sentenced to 13 years and six months imprisonment on Monday, while Rickinder Hare has been handed a one-year suspension, 400 hours of community service, and two years of probation on June 6.
Vadolia, who according to the NCA was the group’s cash courier, died before facing trial on multiple money laundering charges.
The investigation intensified in January 2022 when NCA officers saw Balarajah receiving a ‘Gucci’ embossed box from Hitesh Vadolia. Following intervention, Balarajah attempted to flee, driving his car at the officers. The box contained over £20,000 in cash.
Analysing telecoms data, investigators identified Hare, who had organised the exchange. He was later arrested on July 20, 2022.
A search of Balarajah’s north London home uncovered substantial amounts of cash, herbal cannabis, cocaine, and empty wrappings that tested positive for cocaine. Further investigations linked Hare and Balarajah to other cash couriers and members of the crime group.
Surveillance showed the gang used scrap metal dealers to launder cash.
A courier was seen collecting cash and visiting a commercial premises for scrap metal and waste, suspected to be used to pay for stolen metal.
Coordinated action was taken against the scrap metal dealer by the British Transport Police, HMRC, and the Environment Agency, reported news agency PTI.
The gang also attempted to secure government grants to remove waste from a commercial site they controlled, intending to divert the funds for other criminal ventures.
NCA investigations revealed they lacked the capacity to legally dispose of the waste.
Balarajah pleaded guilty in February, with phone images confirming the empty wrappings in his home had contained kilogram blocks of cocaine.
Hare was found guilty of money laundering on February 12, 2024, after a week-long trial at St Albans Crown Court.
Source Agencies
