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During the Proceeds of Crime investigation, a number of items were seized including a vintage Ford Cosworth valued at \u00a390,000(Image: GMP)<\/p>\nLee Whiteley, 35, previously admitted conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabisDuring the Proceeds of Crime investigation, a number of items were seized including a vintage Ford Cosworth valued at \u00a390,000(Image: GMP)<\/p>\n
A convicted drug dealer has been ordered to pay back more than \u00a3200,000, including by giving up a \u00a390,000 vintage Ford car.<\/p>\n
Lee Whiteley, 35, previously admitted conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabis in November 2023. Whiteley, of Alkrington Road North in Middleton<\/a>, was handed a suspended sentence.<\/p>\n But following a confiscation order at Minshull Street Crown Court, he must now repay \u00a3218,443 believed to have been derived from his crimes.<\/p>\n Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n During the Proceeds of Crime investigation, a number of items were seized including a vintage Ford Cosworth valued at \u00a390,000, a Transit van worth \u00a350,000 and a \u00a33,000 electric bike, Greater Manchester Police<\/a> said.<\/p>\n Officers proved three houses he had bought had been purchased through criminal proceeds. If the moneyh isn’t paid back within three months, Whiteley faces three years behind bars.<\/p>\n The force said the money will then be used to benefit communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).<\/p>\n Financial Investigator Kelly Belfield said: \u201cThis case highlights that crime doesn\u2019t pay and we will come after criminals and take their ill-gotten gains. The case is unusual as Whiteley was only convicted of benefiting from \u00a33,800 from his drugs business.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, using Proceeds of Crime legislation and carrying out a confiscation investigation, I have managed to bring this figure up to \u00a3218,443, which is a huge increase and a great result.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Whiteley fails to pay the money within three months, then he will serve an extra three years in jail – and still have to sell his assets and pay using the proceeds. Reclaiming cash this way not only disrupts criminal activity but it also directly benefits communities across Greater Manchester.<\/p>\n \u201cThese funds will be reinvested into vital community programmes and services through our Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) funding scheme.<\/p>\n \u201cThis cash recovery also highlights the strength of the Proceed of Crime Legislation and that we will continue to use it.”<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.<\/p>\n That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable<\/strong>, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North.<\/strong> You can also <\/strong>sign up for that here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here<\/strong><\/a> to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here,<\/strong><\/a> and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.<\/p>\n