Karl Gilleeney, who was convicted of drug trafficking and money laundering at Cardiff Crown Court in May 2007 and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment – was today also ordered to pay back £895,000 following an investigation by the Wales Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART).
In September 2005 Gilleeney, a roofing contractor from Kent; was arrested for his part in a conspiracy to supply cocaine to drug dealers in South Wales. On the day of his arrest he handed over a kilo of the drug to a gang who met him at a service station on the M4 motorway.
Gilleeney was a man of considerable wealth which the prosecution believed stemmed from his involvement in crime. He owned two properties, including one with a swimming pool and extensive grounds, a number of high value vehicles including a Ferrari Spyder, and a boat.
Following his arrest, a search of his home recovered £ 55,000 and funds were also seized from a Spanish account and repatriated by the Court. Whilst in prison awaiting trial Gilleeney engaged in a further criminal offences and another police operation led to the arrest of five others, including his wife and son.
In May 2007 all persons pleaded guilty to offences of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. Karl Gilleeney received a total sentence of 13 years imprisonment.
At Newport Crown Court yesterday, His Honour Judge Morris referred to the delays and stalling tactics employed by the defendant, including a lengthy application to the Criminal Appeals Court in London which failed.
Judge Morris concluded that Gilleeney had a criminal lifestyle and made an order against him of £ 895,000. His Honour also commended the investigation and prosecution teams and commented on the significant savings in Court time brought about by the quality of the submissions. The available amount will be paid from Gilleeney’s assets; two houses, vehicles including the Ferrari, monies in bank accounts and cash seized.
Prior to today’s judgement other members of the gang had been handed earlier orders bringing the totals to almost £1 million.
Superintendent Chris Dodd, Head of the ‘Tarian’ task force said: “The decision of the Court to award such a large order validates the complex and difficult process we have followed to prevent Mr Gilleeney from retaining the benefits of his offending. The legislation allows us to remove the potential for re-investment in more yet more criminality and provides a significant measure of protection for our communities. Despite all the delays and hurdles, it was with some satisfaction that we see the end of this investigation and the commendation of my colleagues by His Honour Judge Morris is a very welcome addition.
“The RART in Wales consistently produces excellent results and working in tandem with Tarian, the CPS and the Courts, we will continue to pursue criminals and their assets at every opportunity”.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 enables Policing Agencies to disrupt criminal enterprises and contributes to crime reduction efforts. The Act aims to simplify and streamline money-laundering offences and introduces a civil power that gives Customs and Police the power to seize cash.
The Regional Asset Recovery Team of Wales is a partnership of Police, H M Revenue & Customs, the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Courts Service Enforcement Team. The Regional Asset Recovery Team has been fully operational since March 2004 and has been focused on the fight against organised criminality by prosecuting offences of money laundering and leading on the confiscation of criminal proceeds.
The Regional Asset Recovery Team forms part of TARIAN+ – the Wales-wide response to Serious and Organised Crime.
