UK: Tobacco smuggling gang convicted of laundering

Members of the gang ran bank accounts in the north east of England, the South West and Guernsey - and passed GBP167,000 around between accounts in an attempt to disguise it.

The leader of the gang was Peter Robinson, 43. He changed his name by deed poll and used three different names in addition. He, along with 59 year old Philip Fendley were arrested in September 2006. A search of his home produced almost 90,000 in cash in a cooler bag under his bed, and more money wrapped in cling film - perhaps being prepared for cash smuggling in the hope of avoiding sniffer dogs.

Jaqueline Ridley, 42, and 20-year-old Joseph Michael Munroe have also been convicted.

In addition to the tobacco smuggling, the gang was involved in benefit fraud and other offences.