A gang based in West London has been jailed for a total of more than 70 years for money laundering and trafficking.

The gang’s leader, Charan Singh, 45, from Hounslow, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. His associates, Jasbir Singh Kapoor, 35, from Hayes, Jasbir Singh Dhal, 40, from Southall, and Diljan Singh Malhotra, 38, from Hounslow, were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from 3 to 4 years.

The gang was responsible for laundering more than £42 million in drug money, which they smuggled out of the UK to Dubai. They also smuggled 17 Afghan migrants into the UK in the back of a van in 2019.

The gang’s activities were uncovered by the National Crime Agency, which worked with Dutch police to intercept the van carrying the migrants. The NCA also raided Singh’s home in Hounslow, where they found a ledger detailing the gang’s criminal activities.

The gang’s convictions and sentences are a major success for the NCA and other law enforcement agencies. They show that criminals who engage in money laundering and trafficking will be caught and punished.

Detective Superintendent Matt Horne, from the NCA’s Money Laundering Investigation Team, said: “This gang was involved in serious organized crime, and their activities had a devastating impact on the lives of others. We are pleased that they have been brought to justice, and that their assets have been seized.

“This case shows that we are working with partners across the globe to tackle money laundering and trafficking. We will not tolerate these crimes, and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

The NCA has also seized a number of assets from the gang, including property, vehicles, and cash. These assets will be used to fund further investigations into organized crime.

Source: with agencies