In Dawes & Ors v R [2007] EWCA Crim 1165, the Court of Appeal upheld four convictions for conspiracy to launder the proceeds of crime, namely profits from drug trafficking.
The drug trafficking operation, involving diamorphine and amphetamines took place between 1997 and 2003 in northern England. The funds received as a result of the drug dealing were:
- stored at the defendants' homes
- flown to Holland and Spain concealed in shoes or the false lining of suitcases to pay for more drugs
- used to fund the purchase of property in the UK, personalised number plates, and vehicles, as well as funding several trips abroad and maintaining an apartment in Spain
The appeals were brought on the basis of discrepancies in the evidence of an informant regarding the involvement of different individuals in the conspiracies. With respect to the money laundering convictions it was considered that there was sufficient independent evidence to support the juries findings.
The Court of Appeal also upheld the sentences for money laundering of:
- 10 years for the ring leader
- 8 years for the ring leader's father who was heavily involved in the transporting of funds out of the UK
- 5 and 4 years for two other accomplices