UKWhite Dark Web Cocaine Operation: London Trio Convicted

#UKWhite Dark Web Cocaine Operation: London Trio Convicted

Three men from London have been convicted for their involvement in a "sophisticated" dark web operation that sold cocaine reportedly netting millions. The trio Lucas Costa, 40; Bruno Teles, 43; and Helio Delfini, 43 supplied over 28 kilograms of high-purity cocaine globally within a 14-month span.

#Operation Overview

Operating under the alias UKWhite the group offered drug deals including half-gram and 100-gram packages along with bulk orders. They utilized various illicit online marketplaces employing private browsers encrypted communications and cryptocurrency payments to maintain their anonymity.

#Discovery and Arrests

In October 2021 investigators from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) carried out raids that resulted in the seizure of 2.5 kilograms of cocaine packaging materials an adapted suitcase and over 6000 prescription-only benzodiazepine tablets. Additionally authorities confiscated 17440 pounds in cash and approximately 67000 pounds in cryptocurrency.

#Convictions and Sentencing

Costa and Teles were found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and three counts of possessing Class C drugs including diazepam clonazolam and flubromazolam at Bristol Crown Court on February 19. They were sentenced to 14 years and 12 years in prison respectively on the following day. Delfini also residing on Rotherhithe Street pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy last March and is scheduled for sentencing on March 10.

#Law Enforcement Commentary

Detective Inspector Ross Flay from SWROCU remarked

These men were running a sophisticated dark web drug supply network from their home addresses in London by exploiting anonymizing technology and using global postal systems. Through painstaking forensic work digital investigations and international cooperation we have removed a major threat from the online criminal marketplace.