Graduate drug lord to hand over illicit profits

12 Dec 2012 01:54 PM

The mastermind of a conspiracy to supply huge quantities of heroin to communities throughout the UK has been ordered to pay back £1.8million.

His Honour Judge Peter Carr, in Birmingham Crown Court, granted SOCA the Confiscation Order against Akbar Bukhari who was jailed for 18 years last August. If he defaults on the order he will have to serve an additional ten years in prison while still being liable for the money owed.

Bukhari, of Small Heath, Birmingham, trafficked at least 420kg of heroin between January 2007 and May 2009. He had utilised the knowledge acquired during his time as a business student to keep a detailed ledger of his complex criminal enterprises.

Sarah Goodall, SOCA’s Regional Head of Investigations, said: “Our warning to other criminals in Birmingham and across the UK is clear: if you get involved in organised crime, expect SOCA to make you pay for it with your freedom and your finances.”

“Our work does not stop here though because when criminals come onto SOCA’s radar they stay on it. A Serious Crime Prevention Order has been granted which will make it more difficult for Bukhari to re-offend when he’s eventually released from prison.

“The order will limit how much cash Bukhari can possess as well as restrict his use of cars, premises, computers and mobile phones. Breaches are punishable by up to five years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.”

Another six members of Bukhari’s crime group were also jailed last year and received sentences totalling over 100 years.

Further information on the investigation can be found here.