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Leon Cullen extradited to the UK from United Arab Emirates

A 33-year-old man from Warrington suspected of being the head of a crime group supplying firearms and drugs has been extradited to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

NCA and police jacketsLeon Cullen – one of Cheshire Constabulary’s most wanted – was arrested as a result of a joint operation carried out by Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency (NCA), the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), Interpol and police authorities in the UAE, assisted by the CPS to secure his successful extradition to the UK.

Cullen, who was detained in Dubai on Friday 3 January 2020 after leaving the UK on 10 January 2018, was brought back to the UK by officers from the National Extradition Unit on Friday 19 February.

He recently (Saturday 20 February) appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court in connection with a number of offences including conspiracies to supply firearms, ammunition and class A drugs.

He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 22 March.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton, from Cheshire Constabulary, recently said:

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the UAE authorities, and all those involved, for their hard work and commitment to bring Cullen back to the UK.”

Deputy Director Tom Dowdall, head of NCA International, recently said:

“Leon Cullen believed he could evade capture by fleeing to Dubai. However, working with our partners in the UK and the United Arab Emirates, we were able to locate and apprehend him so he could be returned to the UK.

“This type of global law enforcement cooperation has never been more important to tackling serious and organised crime affecting the UK and I would like to thank the UAE authorities for all their work which led to Cullen’s arrest and extradition.

“Our network of international liaison officers operate across the world and we will continue to work with our policing partners to pursue wanted individuals and ensure nowhere is a safe haven.”

 

Channel website: http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/

Original article link: https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/leon-cullen-extradited-to-the-uk-from-united-arab-emirates

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