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Prosecuting Organised Crime

Drug trafficking, people trafficking, use of firearms, money laundering, internet crime, fraud, serious robbery and organised vehicle crime at home and internationally, are all dealt with by the Organised Crime Division. A specialist team of experienced prosecutors, the Organised Crime Division work closely with the police and international law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.

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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » Major counterfeiting gang sentenced

Major counterfeiting gang sentenced

23/11/2006

A major counterfeiting syndicate whose actions posed a significant threat to the integrity of the UK fiscal system were sentenced to a total of 41 and a half years behind bars today at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Terrence Riefe, who masterminded the plot, controlled two organised gangs who between them put over £14m pounds worth of counterfeit £20 notes into circulation. The Bank of England estimated that the gangs brand of counterfeit notes, made up two thirds of all the counterfeit currency in circulation in 2005. A total £1m worth of fake 50 notes were also recovered upon arrest.

Helen Hughes, CPS lawyer said:

"Sentencing is not the end of the matter for these defendants. We have frozen their assets and we will now seek to confiscate them. This may have seemed an easy way to make money, but for these individuals, there will be no profit from this crime."

  1. The defendants below entered guilty pleas at Snaresbrook CC on 11 April 06:
  2. Terrence Riefe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling and conspiracy to produce counterfeit Euros.
  3. Anthony Williams pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling conspiracy to produce counterfeit Euros. (father of Keeley Williams)
  4. Gerald Byard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling (father)
  5. James Brook pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling conspiracy to produce counterfeit Euros.
  6. Keeley Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling and conspiracy to produce counterfeit Euros. (daughter of Anthony Williams)
  7. Paul Kemble pleaded guilty conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling. On the 23rd May 2006 he pleaded guilty to a further charge of conspiracy to produce counterfeit Euros.
  8. Patrick Wingrove pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit sterling and possession of counterfeit Euros on 23 May 2006.
  9. Tried and convicted at Snaresbrook CC on 18 October were:
    Terrence Jackson - Conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling. (long-term partner of Gerald Byards sister)
  10. Tried and convicted at Snaresbrook CC on 19 October 2006 were:
    Leigh Nicole Byard - Conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling (granddaughter)
    Tracey Byard - Conspiracy to produce counterfeit sterling (daughter)
    Michael Liddiard - Conspiracy to produce counterfeit.
  11. Media enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8127.