Following an extensive two-year investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), a notorious organized crime group responsible for laundering millions in criminal cash, distributing class A and B drugs, and attempting to fraudulently obtain £1.5 million in government grants has been dismantled.
The Arrests and Charges
On June 6 and July 15, 2024, Rickinder Hare, 36, and Neelen Balarajah, 34, were sentenced to a combined total of 14 years and six months for their involvement in money laundering and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
The case began on January 19, 2022, when NCA officers observed Balarajah receiving a ‘Gucci’ embossed box from accomplice Hitesh Vadolia. Upon being confronted, Balarajah attempted to flee, driving his car toward officers, who used an unmarked vehicle to block his escape. Inside the box, officers discovered over £20,000 in cash.
Investigation and Further Findings
Following detailed analysis of telecom data, investigators linked Hare to the operation, and he was arrested on July 20, 2022. A search of Balarajah’s Pinner home uncovered large sums of cash, herbal cannabis, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. The investigation revealed a network of cash couriers and other members of the crime group, many of whom are now under separate investigations.
Surveillance suggested the group was laundering cash through scrap metal dealers. One courier was observed collecting cash-filled bags and visiting a scrap metal site, where it is suspected that criminals were using stolen metal to exchange for illicit funds. Co-ordinated actions led to the disruption of this operation, with the British Transport Police, HMRC, and the Environment Agency stepping in.
Fraudulent Grant Acquisition
The group also attempted to fraudulently access government grants meant for waste disposal at a commercial site they controlled. Investigations showed they lacked the legal capacity to dispose of the waste and intended to divert the funds toward further criminal activities.
Asset Seizures and Sentences
In total, £1.2 million in cash and £350,000 in assets, including a diamond-encrusted Rolex Daytona watch worth £200,000, were seized from the group. Despite facing multiple charges, Vadolia, the courier, passed away before trial, but the operation continued.
Balarajah pleaded guilty after phone images revealed evidence linking him to the cocaine trade, while Hare was found guilty of money laundering following a week-long trial in February 2024.
On June 6, 2024, Hare was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, and 400 hours of community service. Balarajah received a more substantial sentence of 13 years and six months on July 15, 2024.
Continuing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the group’s operations, with links to politically exposed individuals overseas. As the investigation unfolds, the NCA remains committed to identifying and disrupting other individuals involved in the crime network, ensuring the public and financial systems are protected from these criminal activities.
