Gerard McTaggart, a 49-year-old Scottish money launderer, has died in prison after admitting his involvement in a serious organised crime network.
McTaggart, from Tollcross, Glasgow, was sentenced to four years and eight months in August 2023 after being implicated in a criminal organisation targeted by Police Scotland’s Operation Escalade, a ten-year investigation. He was found to have delivered wages to gangsters, playing a key role in the laundering of money for the group.
McTaggart was arrested in 2019 after being under surveillance for several months. Detectives observed him meeting with gang members on multiple occasions, transporting bags of money and using various vehicles to avoid police detection. His arrest came when he was found with over £14,500 in cash. Further investigation revealed his close contacts within the criminal organisation, as evidenced by messages and images found on his phone.
McTaggart pled guilty to his involvement in organised crime, expressing remorse and acknowledging the impact of his actions. Defence lawyer John Brannigan described McTaggart as someone who found himself “in a sharp shock” facing a prison sentence, which he acknowledged was “serious.”
McTaggart’s conviction was part of the wider Operation Escalade, which led to the conviction of over 40 individuals involved in drug trafficking, firearms offences, and money laundering. Authorities also collaborated internationally to bring fugitives connected to the operation to justice.
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed McTaggart’s death in HMP Edinburgh on February 4, 2024. The matter is being investigated and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
