Particle.news
Download on the App Store

EncroChat Crime Trio Jailed for Up to 30 Years for Drugs, Weapons and Kidnap Plot

Using EncroChat intercepts, NCA investigators unraveled a cross‑regional network brokering drugs, weapons, a planned kidnap.

Overview

  • Bolton Crown Court sentenced Carl Ian Jones to 30 years, Harley Wise to 25, and Naginder Gill to 20 on January 29 after an NCA-led prosecution.
  • EncroChat messages showed the men acted as facilitators moving significant quantities of Class A and B drugs across Greater Manchester, Birmingham and London.
  • Evidence covered attempted or actual deals involving an AR15, AK47s, an Uzi, handguns, ammunition and silencers, with Jones convicted of conspiracy to transfer prohibited weapons.
  • Wise discussed abducting a man over a £350,000 drug debt and brokered a 2020 sale of two 9mm handguns and 50 rounds; the intended target is believed to be safe overseas.
  • Gill plotted to evade cocaine importation via Birmingham Airport using diamond-trading trips as cover, while Jones admitted hiding guns linked to a Mallorca property, and the NCA labeled the trio extremely dangerous.