"individuals are funding lavish lifestyles off the back of violence"
Mansoor Kiani, aged 28, of Luton, was jailed for 15 years and six months for drug dealing.
Several videos showed him flaunting his wealth. This included pouring champagne over Rolex watches and being driven in a Ferrari.
Kiani was arrested in November 2020 following Operation Costello, the UK’s biggest ever law enforcement operation.
Following the seizure of servers, data was found to be linked to Encrochat, an encrypted tool used exclusively by criminals to communicate with each other.
Investigators were able to view messages and other media sent between users.
It was soon established that Kiani was behind one of the handles on the system. Officers found conversations between him and other users relating to the distribution of cocaine and heroin.
Messages showed Kiani arranging meetings with drugs and cash couriers, coordinating payments to those supplying him with the drugs, and arranging codewords to use during exchanges.
Investigators linked Kiani to the handle and backed this up by showing the location of the encrypted device as it connected to mobile phone masts as it moved, perfectly matching the location of his other, non-encrypted phone.
He messaged another criminal associate in Luton to renew his Encrochat subscription.
Kiani was arrested in November 2020 and was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin.
Luton Crown Court was shown a video of Kiani parading his wealth at an exclusive Knightsbridge nightclub pouring champagne over Rolex watches.
Another video showed him being driven around in a Ferrari.
Following a trial, Kiani was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Detective Inspector Tom Stean, of Operation Costello, said:
“There is no doubt that Kiani was behind the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine and heroin, something which will have no doubt had a significant and harmful impact across our communities.
“We know that drugs fuel widespread criminality, from gang violence and exploitation by those involved in importing and selling, to users driven to robbery and burglary crime to raise money to feed their addictions.
“Op Costello is not looking at street dealers; we are going after the big players involved in fuelling local drugs markets.
“These individuals are funding lavish lifestyles off the back of violence, exploitation and the misery of others.
“Kiani’s money was made entirely from illegal activity.”
“I am sure many others will feel sick watching him parade his wealth in this video, and share my satisfaction that he is now facing a lengthy prison sentence.
“Unexplained wealth and expensive items bought via cash are key indicators that someone may be involved in organised crime.
“You can help us catch these people by speaking up and reporting any concerns.”
Mansoor Kiani was jailed for 15 years and six months.
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