In the 26Gosport investigation, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) made process agreements with one of the suspects. The now 61-year-old man is suspected of carrying out multiple drug transports and participating in a criminal organization.
The 26Gosport investigation is a large-scale investigation into the import and export of hard drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and ketamine. The case began in 2022 after messages in EncroChat, Anom, and SkyECC were decrypted. Several individuals have been arrested since then, including the suspect who appeared in court today in May 2024. They are suspected of varying degrees of involvement in drug trafficking, laundering large sums of money, and participating in a criminal organization. The trial against the other ten suspects is expected to take place in early 2026.
Suspicions
From several reports, it is clear to the OM that the 61-year-old suspect was involved with others in various drug transports, including to the United Kingdom. Based on the communication traffic, the OM concludes that the man was a key executor for the logistical process of the organization. He played a prominent role in multiple transports, dealing with the preparation of the cover load, picking up and sending the cover load, receiving packages, and hiding dozens of kilos of cocaine and heroin. Unlike the other suspects, the OM does not suspect the man of money laundering.
Past
The suspect is not a blank slate and has been convicted several times for similar offenses in the past. The prosecutor noted today in court: These convictions have evidently not deterred him from being involved in a criminal network and committing serious similar offenses again. The societal consequences of international drug trade and money laundering are significant and lead to the disruption of society. For that reason, severe penalties are imposed. The suspect has disregarded these societal consequences and only focused on his own financial gain.
Process Agreements
Given the nature and severity of the facts and the suspects criminal past, a demand of well over eight years in prison would normally be expected. The OM and the suspects lawyer previously discussed the possibility of making process agreements regarding the resolution of the case. In recent years, agreements have been made in some criminal cases between the OM and the defense regarding the sentence request and the procedure. These agreements can shorten the duration of a trial in the interest of all parties involved, and that is also the case in this trial.
Years in Prison
The OM and the suspect have agreed that instead of an unconditional prison sentence of eight years, the OM will demand a prison sentence of five years and four months. The OM will also not initiate a confiscation procedure. The suspect has withdrawn his investigative requests, and both parties have agreed not to appeal if the sentence imposed by the court is in accordance with the agreement. The court is expected to rule on the case later this year.