Bedfordshire Crime Gangs Busted After Encrypted Chat Platform Taken Down
Criminal masterminds across Bedfordshire have been slammed with more than 200 years behind bars after the collapse of the notorious encrypted messaging service, Encrochat. The platform was a secret haven for criminals plotting large-scale drug and weapons trafficking.
Operation Costello Smashes Organised Crime Networks
Launched in 2020, Operation Costello cracked open Encrochat messages, exposing the inner workings of organised crime gangs. Last week, three major drug dealers were sentenced to a combined 36 years for running a network pushing 200 kilos of lethal cocaine worth around £8 million.
- Shane Dann, 31, from Cranfield, got 15 years.
- Mohammed Shaukat, 38, from Luton, received 13 years and 5 months.
- Ashley Cain, 32, also from Luton, was jailed for 7 years and 6 months as a key drugs courier.
All three admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Cain was reportedly the foot soldier, ferrying the poison nationwide for the kingpins Dann and Shaukat.
Police Praise Team Effort as Jail Terms Top 200 Years
Linda Carson, Operation Costello’s Lead Manager, said:
“Bad things come in threes – and these convictions add to over 200 years of sentences handed down so far. Our team works tirelessly to beat high-level criminality and protect our communities.”
Funded by special government grants, Operation Costello targets the toughest organised crime challenges hitting Bedfordshire.
Detectives Call for Public Help to Tackle Crime
Detective Superintendent Nick Skipworth, heading the operation, urged locals to come forward with tips.
“We’ve taken out key players behind drugs and violence. It’s a huge win, but we need the public’s eyes and ears. If you suspect someone’s involved in organised crime, tell us. Together, we can stop this.”
Got info? Contact Bedfordshire Police via their online reporting tool or call 101. To stay anonymous, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
More info and support is available through Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation (BAVEX).
What is Operation Costello?
Bedfordshire Police’s biggest-ever offensive against organised crime gangs, Operation Costello targets criminals using encrypted phones. This operation is part of the national crackdown known as Operation Venetic.
By cracking Encrochat’s encryption, police unveiled the dark networks controlling serious crime across the UK – resulting in over 200 years of jail sentences so far. The message is clear: no one is untouchable under the law.
