10 men have been jailed this week after the Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted an organised crime gang
10 men have been sentenced this week after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecuted an organised crime gang, following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police, assisted by the National Crime Agency under Operation Venetic which revealed incriminating messages from devices linked to organised crime groups.
Under this law enforcement operation, EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform, was infiltrated and incriminating messages from devices linked to organised crime were revealed.
Jamie Rothwell, 38, James Close, 41, Craig Makinson, 50, Callum Morris, 33, Terence McDonagh, 34, Zac Rourke, 34, John Stankus, 70, Scott Davies, 36, Andrew Ackers, 39, and John Moore, 38, were all jailed for their involvement in the activities of an organised crime group (OCG).
Rebecca Macaulay Addison, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “The sentencing of these men concludes 5 years’ work by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Prosecution Counsel and Greater Manchester Police, assisted by the National Crime Agency.
“The use of Encrochat communication devices as part of their involvement in serious organised criminal activities ultimately led to their offending coming to light.
“It was evident from Encrochat messages obtained that Jamie Rothwell, 38, played a leading role which included him organising the purchase and supply of class A drugs, firearms, ammunition and directing acts of extreme violence. The others who have been sentenced today and at previous hearings all played their part in the same criminal activities.
“The CPS continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such activity are brought to justice.
“We will pursue confiscation proceedings against the defendants to ensure that they do not profit from the money gained through their crimes.”
Notes to editors
- Jamie Rothwell (DOB 08/12/1986) was jailed for 43 years including a four year extended licence.
- James Close (DOB 06/10/1983) was jailed for 36 years.
- Craig Makinson (21/08/1974) was jailed for 38 years.
- Callum Morris (DOB 17/09/1991) was jailed for 38 years.
- Terence McDonagh (DOB 24/10/1990) was jailed for eight years.
- Zac Rourke (DOB 03/09/1990) was jailed for 18 years.
- John Stankus (DOB 11/10/1954) was jailed for six years.
- Scott Davies (DOB 15/09/1988) was jailed for eight years and six months.
- Andrew Ackers (DOB 22/05/1986) was jailed for 10 years and two months.
- John Moore (DOB 26/06/1987) was jailed for 14 months.
- Several other men were jailed as part of the same operation on 8 February 2023:
- James Connor (DOB 12/04/1980) was jailed for eight years and six months.
- Andrew Hart (DOB 09/11/1086) was jailed for seven years and eight months.
- John Westwood (DOB 16/06/1982) was jailed for six years and nine months.
- Kyle Charlton (DOB 23/08/1995) was jailed for nine years and six months.
- Jordan Edge (DOB 26/08/1996) was jailed for eight years and three months.