Wales sees a significant crackdown on crime as courts demand repayment from offenders
Cardiff: You know how they say crime doesn’t pay? Well, it’s really hitting home for a bunch of criminals in Wales. This year, the courts have seized millions from those who thought they could get away with their illegal activities. Thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the law is making sure that these offenders pay back what they earned through their crimes.
We’re talking about all sorts of shady characters here—drug dealers, fraudsters, and even rogue builders. Some of them have been ordered to cough up hundreds of thousands, while others are facing much smaller amounts. It’s a mixed bag, but the message is clear: crime doesn’t pay.
Let’s dive into some of the cases from this year. For instance, Joshua Billingham, a big player in a drug trafficking gang, was told to pay back just £1, even though he made over £2.8 million. Crazy, right? His partner in crime, Amir Khan, fared a bit better with a £151,799 order, but still, it’s a drop in the ocean compared to what they profited.
These guys were running a serious operation, moving tons of cocaine and laundering money through cryptocurrency. They even used secret phones to communicate. But it all came crashing down when the police raided their stash houses and found a ton of drugs and cash.
Then there’s Corey Fenton, who got caught with heroin and crack cocaine while riding an E-bike. He was sentenced to four years and ordered to pay back £11,375. And let’s not forget about Jordan Klein Jones, who defrauded customers and was told to pay back just £10 despite benefiting by £240,000. It’s wild how some of these criminals are getting off with such small amounts.
In another case, a couple of drug dealers, Kyle Redwood and Chloe George, were found with a stash of cocaine and ordered to pay back a fraction of what they made. It’s like a game of cat and mouse, and the courts are trying to catch up with these guys.
Overall, it’s a tough year for criminals in Wales, and the courts are making sure they pay for their actions. It’s a reminder that no matter how clever you think you are, the law is always watching.
