£10 Million Crackdown: Ten Charged in Massive Organised Crime Sting
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched a dramatic dawn raid on Wednesday 23 March 2022, striking hard against suspected organised crime. Ten suspects are now charged, and more than £10 million worth of criminal assets have been frozen.
28 Warrants Executed in Sweeping Fraud and Cocaine Bust
- Officers served 28 search warrants targeting a major organised crime group.
- The gang allegedly dealt in complex fraud and supplied vast quantities of cocaine.
- Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs joined the operation, working alongside police detectives.
- All 17 targeted suspects were detained during the raid.
£10 Million in Assets Frozen: Homes, Cars, and Bank Accounts Blocked
Kent Police financial investigators swiftly froze more than £10 million in assets linked to the gang. This includes:
- Bank accounts blocked
- Sales of properties, cars, and homes prohibited
Who’s Been Charged?
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, these individuals face conspiracy charges to supply cocaine:
- Lewis Cosgrove, 38, Butlers Park Way, Rochester
- Patrick Hallahan, 35, The Drive, Hove
- Kevin Ratcliffe, 40, Longhill Road, Brighton
- Damion Freeman, 44, Lenham Avenue, Brighton
- Richard Shelton, 40, Green Lane, Eltham
- Michael Blewett, 42, Mulberry Close, Brighton
- Jessie Cockle, 28, Kimberley Road, Lowestoft
- James Savva, 50, Reservoir Road, New Barnet
Additional charges authorized include:
- Carl Crabtree, 40, Colsterdale, Lowestoft – concealing criminal property
- Daniel Newton, 35, Whitefriars Wharf, Tonbridge – fraud by false representation
All ten charged suspects have been remanded in custody. They face Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 March 2022.
More Suspects Still Awaiting Fate
Seven other people linked to the investigation have been released on bail pending further enquiries until Wednesday 20 April.
