Greater Manchester Gang Sentenced for Stolen Goods Trafficking

Introduction

A criminal gang involved in the fraudulent transportation and distribution of stolen lorry loads valued at over £500,000 has been convicted following a lengthy investigation. This case highlights the risks transport operators and compliance professionals face regarding cargo security and the importance of vigilance against fraud.

Investigation and Criminal Activities

The Economic and Cyber Crime Unit (ECCU) of Greater Manchester Police began investigating in 2017 after a lorry carrying frozen chicken worth €75,000 was fraudulently purchased using cloned company details and credit insurance. The inquiry revealed a sophisticated criminal network operating across Europe, responsible for stealing deliveries from 13 companies.

The stolen goods included milk powder, olive oil, poultry, almonds, fruit syrup, electronics, and meat. These items were distributed through local haulage yards, including one owned by Paul Barrett in Rochdale, and wholesalers across Greater Manchester, notably the now-defunct Manchester Food Traders.

Key Individuals and Sentencing

The gang operated through Manchester Food Traders, with Devinder Singh and Lakhvinder Singh managing the business. Zakaria Dean handled sales, while Mohammad Farid managed goods transfers at haulage yards, including one in Oldham where he was arrested in December 2017.

The gang used cloned company identities and credit insurance fraud to deceive European suppliers before distributing stolen goods across the UK. The total estimated value of goods processed through the firm was between £509,000 and £526,000.

Sentences handed down included:

• Devinder Singh (Swinton): six years and six months imprisonment
• Zakaria Dean: two years and nine months imprisonment
• Mohammad Farid: two-year suspended sentence plus 20 days rehabilitation
• Lakhvinder Singh: nine months imprisonment for breaching company director bans
• Paul Barrett (Norfolk, formerly Rossendale): suspended 18-month sentence and 100 hours unpaid work for facilitating acquisition or retention of criminal property

During sentencing, Devinder Singh’s offences were described as “professional and sophisticated”.

Investigation Findings and Evidence

Detective Constable Nicola Veitch Lancaster of ECCU stated that a warrant at Manchester Food Traders led to the recovery of part of one stolen delivery. Mobile phone analysis revealed that the company advertised produce at prices below supplier costs, contradicting claims of good faith purchases.

Despite denials of knowledge regarding the stolen nature of the goods, evidence showed the company arranged collection and transport of stolen items, often using inappropriate and unrefrigerated vehicles.

Practical Advice from Mi Compliance

This case underscores the importance of thorough due diligence and compliance checks for transport operators and haulage businesses. Operators should verify the legitimacy of suppliers and customers, monitor unusual pricing or delivery patterns, and ensure proper documentation accompanies all goods.

Mi Compliance recommends regular training on fraud awareness and cargo security for drivers and compliance staff to help identify and prevent involvement in criminal activities. For further guidance or support, transport professionals are encouraged to contact Mi Compliance.

Contact Mi Compliance For expert advice on maintaining compliance and safeguarding your operations.

Source: Motortransport. Co. Uk