Career Crook Jailed for Life After Trying to Buy Grenades on Dark Web
Paul Christian Stellato, a career criminal with a shocking 36 convictions for 171 offences, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of seven years behind bars. The 47-year-old tried to buy three fragmentation grenades via the dark web, sparking a massive National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
Grenades Ordered Online, Delivered to His Flat
Stellato, jailed for 10 years back in 1998 for arson with intent to endanger life, used the now-shuttered AlphaBay market to order the deadly explosives. Under the profile ‘cocaineking247’, he messaged the seller in November 2016 asking if the hand grenades could be shipped to the UK.
Just two days later, he instructed delivery to his flat in Brackley, Northants—addressed to a fake name to cover his tracks. He even tried to reassure the seller, saying, “No matter what, these are not for terrorism affairs, domestic protection only.” Stellato paid $370.48 in bitcoin for the grenades.
Arrest and Damning Evidence
When the package arrived on 14 December 2016, Stellato signed for it. Police swooped immediately and arrested him. He reportedly told officers, “If you need the parcel it’s left outside of my front door.”
Officers found his phone contained searches for “AlphaBay market forum”, “darknet site police selling info”, and anonymous browser apps. Drugs were also discovered at his property.
Multiple Charges and Final Sentence
- Eight counts of possession of class A and B drugs
- One count of supplying class B drugs (initially denied, later pleaded guilty)
- Attempting to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life
After lengthy proceedings and months of denial, Stellato finally changed his plea before his drugs trial began. Today, he was locked up for life with a seven-year minimum. If he ever gets out, he’ll remain on licence for life.
Official Comments
“Stellato has a history of violence and is a very dangerous man as his long criminal record shows,” said NCA branch commander David Norris. “It’s terrifying to think what he could have done with three grenades. We worked tirelessly with our partners – including the FBI – to keep these weapons away from him.”
Detective Inspector Adam Pendlebury added, “A search of Paul Stellato’s property led officers to a vehicle containing £5,500 worth of cannabis. We found his fingerprints on the drug packaging and text messages proving his involvement in supply. It’s concerning he was also trying to buy grenades. Hopefully, today’s sentence will reassure our local community.”
