From: Rochdale Online
Ahmed Salim Khezri (DOB 05.04.1990) of Illminster, Rochdale was one of seven men jailed after a £28 million cigarette smuggling conspiracy was smashed. Khezri was convicted by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of conspiracy to evade excise duty and was sentenced to six years in prison.
The gang imported low grade and counterfeit tobacco, which was then sold across northern England and Scotland. They were tracked down with the help of fingerprints and DNA found on discarded cans and bottles at sites where they had been transferring loads of cigarettes.
Ringleader Kamaran Khader was jailed for six years for his role in planning the criminal operation sourcing the cigarettes and tobacco and arranging their delivery. Once in the UK, the goods were transported to industrial storage sites in Blackburn, Oldham, Essex, Ascot and Slough.
Jo Tyler, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: “Cigarette smuggling is a serious criminal offence and today’s sentences reflect that. HMRC is committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who are involved in this type of crime.”
