A convicted criminal who orchestrated a nationwide drugs and firearms conspiracy has been ordered to pay back £350,000 of his criminal gains, following a court ruling under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
25-Year Sentence for EncroChat Kingpin
Umair Zaheer, 37, formerly of Somerset Road, Eccles, is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence after he was found guilty in 2022 of playing a key role in a major criminal enterprise. The conspiracy was uncovered during a joint operation between Greater Manchester Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), sparked by intelligence obtained from intercepted EncroChat messages.
The encrypted phone network, popular with organised crime gangs, was infiltrated by European law enforcement in 2020, exposing countless illegal operations across the UK and Europe.
Zaheer was arrested in October 2020 after detectives traced his high-level dealings through the secure messaging system. Evidence linked him to large-scale drug distribution and the illegal sale of firearms, including a working AK-style assault rifle and handgun transactions.
Criminal Assets Seized
A hearing at Manchester Crown Court has now ruled that Zaheer must repay £350,000 or face additional jail time.
“This confiscation order is a clear reminder that we will not allow criminals to benefit from their crimes,” said an NCA spokesperson.
“This case also highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and international cooperation to bring serious offenders to justice.”
The NCA confirmed that a financial investigation into Zaheer’s assets revealed significant gains through illicit trade. If he fails to pay the sum within the allotted timeframe, he could face an extended prison sentence and further asset seizures.
Background: Organised Crime in the Spotlight
Zaheer’s sentencing in February 2022 came as part of a broader operation targeting drug and weapons trafficking networks uncovered through Operation Venetic, the UK law enforcement response to the EncroChat breach.
Three other men were jailed alongside him, each receiving lengthy sentences for their part in the conspiracy, which involved the supply of Class A drugs and multiple firearms offences across England.
