Two Men Nabbed in Big Birmingham Drug and Money Laundering Bust
Police arrested two suspects, aged 58 and 51, yesterday in Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Reddicap Heath, Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham. The National Crime Agency (NCA) swooped on multiple business premises across Birmingham as part of a major investigation linked to Operation Venetic — the crackdown on encrypted comms platform EncroChat.
£1.65 Million Hidden in Bed Sparks Massive Raid
The arrests follow a jaw-dropping seizure back in June 2020. Officers stormed a flat on Kenelm Road, Sutton Coldfield, and uncovered a staggering £1,656,040 stashed inside a divan bed. Alongside the cash, they found two kilos of cocaine.
Two men, both 45, were arrested at the time and remain under investigation.
NCA Cracks Down on Crime Cash
The NCA successfully secured a forfeiture order earlier this year, ensuring the cash was returned to the public purse. Yesterday’s suspects were questioned over their suspected roles in money laundering and drug offences before being released on bail.
“These arrests are an important development in our investigation,” said Rick Mackenzie, NCA operations manager. “The ability for criminals to benefit from the proceeds of crime is a key driver for organised crime, which is why the NCA prioritises disrupting money laundering operations both here in the UK and overseas.”
