ordered to pay £72,000 or extend prison sentence
One of five criminals sentenced in 2005 for his part in a major drug trafficking scam to smuggle 19 kilos of cocaine into the UK has been ordered to pay £72,000 following a successful investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The Confiscation Order was made at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 28 September 2007.
Victor John Lee, who was the managing director of Vic Lee Racing Ltd (VLR), a company based in Coventry, that prepared vehicles for international motor racing teams, is currently serving a 12 year prison sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering offences
He was convicted along with four others to a total of 47.5 years in prison following an intense investigation by HM Revenue & Customs Officers in 2005.
Customs Officers were also successful at the time in seizing £19,000 in cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The money was found following a search of his vehicle.
Robert Alder, Assistant Director for Criminal Investigation for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said:
“Our teams of investigators have achieved a fantastic result that sends a clear message to those who engage in serious organised crime – not only will they lose their freedom for many years but we will reclaim the proceeds of their criminal activity. This has been a significant success story for us in terms of seizing such a large quantity of cocaine, the dismantling of a major criminal organisation and returning the profits from this crime back to the nation. We will continue to work at the forefront of the fight to stop drug trafficking in the UK, and to reduce the associated harm to our communities.”The Senior Prosecuting Lawyer for the Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO) said:
“RCPO lawyers and HMRC investigators have worked well together to bring this case before the courts and achieve such as a successful result. We will continue to work robustly to prosecute those involved in criminal activity. We are extremely pleased that through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 we have been successful in returning the profits of this crime to the public purse.”
