Jailed gang boss told to pay back millions

9 September 2010

Following the top-to-bottom dismantling of a crime network which imported and distributed at least 300kg of heroin, SOCA has today been granted a Confiscation Order for £10.5 million against the network's mastermind.

The Order, granted at York Crown Court, will see Khalid Mahmood Malik lose much of the wealth which, at the height of his criminal activity, allowed him to acquire properties in the UK and abroad worth £3 million, and luxury cars including a Lamborghini. Passing judgement, Judge Ashurst stated that Malik has three months to pay up or faces a further 10 years in prison.

The Bradford-based drug dealer was jailed for 25 years in 2005 for conspiracy to supply heroin, having used family members and corrupt business people to launder the proceeds. Among the 26 people imprisoned in addition to Malik were his financial advisor who arranged fraudulent mortgages and held Malik’s cash in his own bank account, and a solicitor who allowed £593,000 of Malik’s drug money to be used to purchase property in the names of others.

Sentences resulting from the investigation into the crime group totalled more than 200 years.

Ian Cruxton, SOCA Deputy Director, said:

“Dismantling Malik’s entire criminal network was a lengthy and complex operation which required all the expertise and dedication of the investigative team. This work now means that, as well as spending decades in prison, Malik has failed in his attempt to hide his profits behind a convoluted network of friends, family and corrupt professional advisors.

“Our warning to business people in Bradford and across the UK is clear: if you render your services to organised crime, expect SOCA to make you pay for it with your freedom and your finances.”

For more information see our Asset Recovery pages.