Major Organised Crime Group - JAILED !!!

Major Organised Crime Group Jailed Following Multi-Force Investigation

A coordinated investigation involving officers from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, Southall Safer Neighbourhood Team (Metropolitan Police Service), Thames Valley Police and Surrey Police has resulted in significant custodial sentences for a prolific organised crime group responsible for a series of violent and high-value robberies.

During the course of the investigation, officers identified and linked the group to more than 70 offences across multiple force areas. These included targeted commercial robberies where suspects used threats and violence—such as the brandishing of knives and broken bottles—to intimidate shopkeepers.

In one particularly serious incident, a shopkeeper was assaulted and sustained injuries consistent with grievous bodily harm (GBH). The group repeatedly targeted retail premises for high-value tobacco and cigarette products, with total losses estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

On 24 April 2026, at Reading Crown Court, eight members of the group were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to commit burglary, receiving a combined total of 56 years and 2 months’ imprisonment:

To date, the wider investigation has resulted in 16 individuals being convicted, with total sentences amounting to 74 years’ imprisonment. Enquiries remain ongoing, and the investigation team anticipates that up to six additional suspects will be brought before the courts in due course.

Inspector Leigh Ballard, of West Area BCU, Southall Cluster, said:
"This result reflects the dedication, professionalism and relentless hard work of officers across multiple forces working together to dismantle a dangerous organised crime group. These offenders used violence and intimidation to target hardworking members of our community, causing significant harm and fear.

We remain fully committed to protecting the public and supporting local businesses, and we will continue to pursue those involved in serious organised crime to ensure they are brought before the courts.”

This outcome demonstrates the strength of joint working between forces and reinforces the commitment of policing partners to tackle serious acquisitive crime and keep communities safe.