Top Car Thief Jailed for Over Five Years in Major Mercedes Van Heist
A 41-year-old man has been locked up for five years and four months after masterminding a huge conspiracy to nick Mercedes vans across the East of England.
Miroslav Pesko: The Ring Leader Behind the Motor Theft Gang
Miroslav Pesko, from Greenbay Road, Charlton, London, was found guilty at Norwich Crown Court after a lengthy three-week trial that wrapped up on Thursday, 5 November. The case was delayed earlier this year due to Covid-19.
Pesko led a well-organised crime ring, using specialist skills to steal vehicles. He worked with five other men, including Almantas Andriuskevicius and Ignas Bielevicius, both 25 and from Lowestoft, arrested alongside Pesko in London in September 2019.
Gang Stole Over 100 Mercedes Vans – Worth Over £1 Million
- The gang targeted Mercedes vans across East England from January to September 2019.
- They removed electronic ignition switches, had Pesko recode keys at his London home, then drove the stolen vans to a ‘chop shop’ in Essex.
- Vehicles were stripped for parts or shipped abroad; personal belongings dumped and tracking devices discarded.
- Registration plates were swapped for cloned versions to avoid detection.
Police Crack Down After Complex, Lengthy Investigation
Detective Inspector Matt Adams, who led the probe, said:
“This investigation began in May last year targeting suspected criminals in Lowestoft but quickly expanded. Pesko’s gang stole over 100 Mercedes vans worth more than £1 million, not including personal items inside or the lost earnings of van owners.
“The investigation was complex and took months, but our dedicated team, with help from specialist units across the region, has brought these offenders to justice.”
Other Gang Members Also Caged
- Dzanetas Simanskas (27) pleaded guilty and was jailed for 12 months in May 2020.
- Ignas Bielevicius was locked up for 18 months the same month.
- Tadas Taraskevicius, considered a minor player, got 15 months in August 2020 for conspiracy plus other theft offences.
- Viktoras Sakalauskas fled to Lithuania but was extradited and charged after police cooperation. He pleaded guilty in October 2020.
- Almantas Andriuskevicius (aka Zuira) pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This gang’s slick operation smashed businesses and motorists who relied on their vans. With chief ringleader Pesko finally behind bars, police hope the roads will be safer from these organised thieves.
