Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NCA dismantles London crime group for laundering millions in drugs cash

Rickinder Hare, 36, and Neelen Balarajah, 34, received sentences totalling 14 years and six months

NCA dismantles London crime group for laundering millions in drugs cash

AN organised crime group involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and attempted fraud has been dismantled after a two-year investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Rickinder Hare, 36, and Neelen Balarajah, 34, received sentences totalling 14 years and six months for their roles in money laundering and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.


The operation culminated in significant seizures, including £1.2 million in cash and £350,000 in assets, a statement said.

The investigation began in January 2022 when NCA officers observed Balarajah receiving a 'Gucci' embossed box containing over £20,000 in cash from Hitesh Vadolia.

Balarajah's attempt to flee led to a dramatic confrontation, with officers using an unmarked vehicle to prevent his escape. Further probing linked Hare, of William Street, Knightsbridge, to orchestrating the exchange, leading to his arrest in July 2022.

Web size NCA officers observed Balarajah received a 'Gucci' embossed box containing over £20,000 in cash (Photo: NCA)

A search of Balarajah’s residence in Pinner, Middlesex, uncovered substantial amounts of cash, herbal cannabis, cocaine, and cocaine-tainted wrappings.

Detailed telecoms data analysis and surveillance unveiled a broader network involving cash couriers and scrap metal dealers used for laundering money. Co-ordinated actions by the British Transport Police, HMRC, and the Environment Agency targeted these criminal operations.

The crime group also attempted to fraudulently secure government grants, intending to divert the funds to other illegal activities.

The NCA's investigations confirmed their incapacity to legally manage the waste removal projects they claimed to undertake.

Vadolia, the cash courier, faced multiple money laundering charges amounting to £270,000 but died before his trial. Balarajah pleaded guilty in February, with incriminating phone images confirming his involvement in cocaine distribution. He was sentenced to 13 years and six months on Monday (15).

Hare was found guilty of money laundering on 12 February, and received a suspended sentence of one year and 400 hours of community service on 6 June.

Jason Hulme, senior manager for the NCA’s International Corruption Unit, said, “This crime group had tentacles reaching into many different activities, and were making millions from drugs and money laundering.

“The direct threat posed to the public, and the public purse, has been prevented, but our investigation has identified a number of individuals closely linked to the group, as well as connections to politically exposed individuals overseas.

“We will continue investigating to determine if any of these were associated with their criminal activity.”

More For You

Trump plans to meet Starmer 'very soon'

Keir Starmer, Donald Trump. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump plans to meet Starmer 'very soon'

US president Donald Trump said he had agreed to meet prime minister Keir Starmer and that the British leader wanted to travel to the US in the coming weeks.

Starmer's office had said earlier on Friday (14) that he discussed visiting the US on a call with Trump the day before, part of London's efforts to press its case with a US president whose overhaul of trade and foreign policy has shaken much of the world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017. (Photo credit: Twitter)

Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

A COURT in India has found Vikat Bhagat guilty of the rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alderman Alastair King

King, who serves as the global ambassador for the City of London, will be in Mumbai to discuss trade and investment under his mayoral theme, 'Growth Unleashed.'

Lord Mayor of London to visit India for trade talks

THE LORD MAYOR of London, Alderman Alastair King, is set to visit India for a week starting Saturday, aiming to promote free trade and capital flows between the two countries.

King, who serves as the global ambassador for the City of London, will be in Mumbai to discuss trade and investment under his mayoral theme, “Growth Unleashed.”

Keep ReadingShow less
trump-modi-washington-getty

The meeting came hours after Trump criticised India’s business environment and announced plans for reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose duties on US imports. (Photo: Getty Images)

Modi and Trump agree to resolve trade disputes, discuss tariff concerns

INDIA and the US have agreed to begin negotiations aimed at resolving trade and tariff disputes, following talks between Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump in Washington.

India has committed to increasing purchases of US oil, gas, and defence equipment, while both sides pledged to address trade barriers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pablo-Escobar-merchandise-Getty

Escobar, killed by security forces in 1993, remains a figure of global interest, with his image appearing on souvenirs like T-shirts, mugs, and keychains. (Photo: Getty Images)

Colombia considers ban on Pablo Escobar merchandise

COLOMBIA’s Congress is considering a bill that would ban the sale of merchandise featuring drug lord Pablo Escobar and other convicted criminals.

The proposed law aims to curb the glorification of Escobar, who was responsible for thousands of deaths during his time leading the Medellín cartel, reported BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less