A father and son from Maidstone have been jailed for their involvement in an organised crime group that used the encrypted messaging service EncroChat to facilitate the large-scale supply of cocaine. Ashley Steel, 61, and James Steel, 40, worked alongside associate Danny Devall, 36, in a network that also handled cash and drugs through concealed compartments in vehicles.
EncroChat Investigation
EncroChat, a secure communication platform widely used by criminal networks, was decrypted in 2020 by international law enforcement agencies. Messages from the platform revealed that James Steel and Devall used handles such as Wonderfulninja, Minorlobster, and Prizelake to orchestrate drug transactions. The investigation linked their activities to addresses associated with Ashley Steel, where exchanges of drugs and cash were coordinated.
Significant Drug and Cash Seizures
On April 25, 2024, Kent Police executed search warrants at multiple locations. At James Steel’s home in Chartway Street, Sutton Valence, officers seized over £50,000 in cash, high-end motorcycles, and a speedboat. Searches at Ashley Steel’s property in Middlesex Road, Maidstone, and associated business units near Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood, uncovered ten kilograms of cannabis, 150 grams of cocaine, and £5,000 in cash.
Court Proceedings
The trio faced charges for drug supply offences. At Maidstone Crown Court:
- James Steel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, possessing cannabis, and possessing criminal property. He was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.
- Danny Devall, of Common Road, Hadlow, admitted to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He received eight years and seven months.
- Ashley Steel pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and admitted possessing an offensive weapon (a knuckle duster). He was sentenced on December 5 to two years and two months in prison.
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=MblHnmNjb8M
Police Statement
Detective Constable Mark Simcox commented:
“Our investigation has shown that James Steel and Danny Devall held leading roles in a criminal network supplying drugs on a wholesale scale. Using encrypted platforms like EncroChat, they operated with a sense of invincibility, letting others take the risks.
“It’s impossible to quantify the volume of drugs moved, but EncroChat has facilitated criminal transactions involving hundreds of thousands of pounds. We will now use the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover cash and assets acquired through their illegal activities.”
Impact of EncroChat Decryption
The decryption of EncroChat has led to numerous convictions worldwide, exposing high-level criminal enterprises and disrupting drug supply networks. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle organised crime and dismantle drug operations at their core.
