Jonathan Underhill secures unanimous acquittal in 'EncroChat' drugs case
8th April 2024
3PB’s specialist criminal and regulatory barrister Jonathan Underhill was instructed in Operation Scowl; a complex multi-Defendant drugs case, following the National Crime Agency’s Operation Emma and Operation Venetic into the use of the "EncroChat’ network; and secured the unanimous acquittal of his client.
Five of the nine Defendants proceeded to trial accused of involvement in the supply of Class A drugs operating principally over EncroChat between 2019 and 2020. They were alleged to have been responsible for the trafficking of around 95kg of cocaine.
The trial involved extensive analysis of EncroChat data, telephone communications, call data records, surveillance evidence, ANPR data, and financial documentation. It was alleged by the Crown that Jonathan’s client was using an EncroChat handle. The Crown relied on the content of messages and communications alongside significant circumstantial evidence to link the handle to the Defendant.
Following a 5-week trial, and three days of jury deliberation, Jonathan’s client was unanimously acquitted.
Jonathan was instructed by James Leamon at Peter Clarke solicitors.
To instruct Jonathan, or see about his availability, please email Jonathan's clerk, Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or call him on 01962 868884.
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