A DRUG dealer who doused expensive Rolex watches with champagne in an exclusive Knightsbridge club has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Mansoor Kiani, 28, of Luton, was filmed being driven around in a Ferrari while flaunting his wealth by selling heroin and cocaine.
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The shocking moment the dealer pours champagne over Rolex watches was filmed
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He was also filmed being driven around in a red Ferrari
He tried to hide his drug trafficking activities by using an encrypted telephone communication system called Encrochat.
However, he was arrested after police cracked it in the spring of 2020 as part of Operation Costello, Britain’s largest law enforcement operation.
It was the UK’s largest law enforcement operation ever. Investigators were able to view messages and other media sent between people using Encrochat to discuss large-scale crime such as the transportation of drugs and weapons.
A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “These data were used by detectives in Bedfordshire to discover that Kiani was behind one of the system’s handles and to uncover conversations between him and various other users related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin.
“News showed that Kiani was arranging meetings with drug and cash couriers, coordinating payments to those who supplied him with drugs, and arranging code words for exchanges.
“On an exchange he was discussing renewing his subscription to the Encrochat system when he agreed to renew a criminal employee in an orange buggy in downtown Luton.”
After a three-day trial in Luton Crown Court, he was found guilty of conspiracy and sentenced to 15 years and six months in prison.
Messages showed Kiani arranging meetings with drug and cash couriers, coordinating payments to vendors, and arranging code words.
Detective Inspector Tom Stean said his actions caused harm.
He said: “There is no doubt that Kiani is behind the distribution of several kilograms of cocaine and heroin, which will undoubtedly have a significant and harmful impact on our communities.
“His money was only made from illegal activities. I am sure that many will feel sick if he shows his wealth in this video, and I share my satisfaction that he is now facing a long prison term.
“Inexplicable wealth and expensive items bought with cash are key indicators that someone might be involved in organized crime.”
He said people could help police officers by speaking up and raising concerns.
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The drug dealer couldn’t resist showing his ill-gotten wealth in front of the cameras
