SCOTTISH CRIME AND DRUG
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

James STEVENSON (41) from Rutherglen, Glasgow, was sentenced to 12 years and 9 months at the High Court in Glasgow today (10 April 2007) on money laundering charges after an international operation codenamed 'Folklore' conducted by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA). Gerard CARBIN (27) from East Kilbride was also sentenced to 5 years and 6 months at the High Court.

Today's result could not have been achieved without the full co-operation of national and international law enforcement partners including the Spanish and Dutch authorities.

In response to the sentencing, SCDEA Crime Coordinator, Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Ward, said:

"Organised crime is led by ruthless and dangerous individuals who seek to make profit from the pain and suffering of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The public rightly expect our response to be tough.

With the support of the public and our law enforcement partners, the SCDEA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Scotland's communities are protected from the misery created by organised crime.

I promise those involved in this evil organised crime that this Agency will remove them from their positions of influence and confiscate their money, jewellery, cars and houses."

In relation to one 'Folklore' seizure in Spain, Europol Director, Max-Peter Ratzel said:

"As a law enforcement officer, it is always a pleasure when seizures and arrests such as this one are successful, since they prove the value of close and trusted co-operation between enforcement entities."