Drug Dealer Ordered to Repay Over £200,000, Including a Classic Ford Cosworth
Middleton, Greater Manchester - A convicted drug dealer from Middleton has been ordered to repay over £200,000 derived from his criminal activities, including surrendering a prized £90,000 classic Ford Cosworth.
Lee Whiteley, 35, of Alkrington Road North, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabis in November 2023. Despite receiving a suspended sentence at the time, a confiscation order issued at Minshull Street Crown Court now demands he repay the substantial sum.
The significant amount was determined following a Proceeds of Crime investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), which unearthed the true extent of Whiteley's ill-gotten gains.
During the investigation, authorities seized a range of assets including the highly sought-after Ford Cosworth, a Transit van valued at £50,000, and a £3,000 electric bike. Evidence also revealed that Whiteley had purchased three houses using criminal proceeds. If Whiteley fails to repay the £200,000+ within three months, he faces a three-year prison sentence.
GMP stated that the confiscated money will be reinvested into communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme.
Financial Investigator Kelly Belfield played a crucial role in the case, leveraging legal proceedings throughout the confiscation investigation to significantly increase the monetary figure Whiteley was ordered to repay. Initially, Whiteley was convicted of benefiting from less than £4,000 from his drug operation, but Belfield's persistent work resulted in a figure exceeding £200,000.
"This is a great result and highlights the strength of the Proceeds of Crime Legislation," said Financial Investigator Belfield.
Lee Whiteley, 35, of Alkrington Road North, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabis in November 2023. Despite receiving a suspended sentence at the time, a confiscation order issued at Minshull Street Crown Court now demands he repay the substantial sum.
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The significant amount was determined following a Proceeds of Crime investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), which unearthed the true extent of Whiteley's ill-gotten gains.
During the investigation, authorities seized a range of assets including the highly sought-after Ford Cosworth, a Transit van valued at £50,000, and a £3,000 electric bike. Evidence also revealed that Whiteley had purchased three houses using criminal proceeds. If Whiteley fails to repay the £200,000+ within three months, he faces a three-year prison sentence.
GMP stated that the confiscated money will be reinvested into communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme.
Financial Investigator Kelly Belfield played a crucial role in the case, leveraging legal proceedings throughout the confiscation investigation to significantly increase the monetary figure Whiteley was ordered to repay. Initially, Whiteley was convicted of benefiting from less than £4,000 from his drug operation, but Belfield's persistent work resulted in a figure exceeding £200,000.
"This is a great result and highlights the strength of the Proceeds of Crime Legislation," said Financial Investigator Belfield.
The aim of the calculation was to disrupt criminal activity and ensure that crime doesn't pay. The authorities are determined to strip criminals of their assets and reinvest that money back into the community where it belongs.
The successful cash recovery underscores GMP's commitment to utilising Proceeds of Crime Legislation to combat drug trafficking and other serious crimes, ultimately benefiting communities across the region.
The successful cash recovery underscores GMP's commitment to utilising Proceeds of Crime Legislation to combat drug trafficking and other serious crimes, ultimately benefiting communities across the region.
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