Mark O’Neill of Littleborough jailed for role in tobacco crime gang

Mark O’Neill

Mark O’Neill, 50, of Littleborough has been sentenced for his role in a plot to flood Greater Manchester with duty free cigarettes and tobacco and launder the criminal profits.

O’Neill, of Whittaker Lane, Littleborough, was sentenced to 46 months in jail having been found guilty on 26 November 2014 of conspiracy to evade UK excise duty between November 2011 and June 2012. He was driving a van when stopped in Milnrow, Rochdale, which was found to contain 200,000 Richman Cigarettes in 2012. During a search of his home by HMRC officers, £20,000 cash was discovered under a pillow in the bedroom.

He was also involved when £36,000 in cash, in a sports bag, was passed to Lucian Tompa.

O’Neill was also seen in the vicinity of three container storage units on Roeacre Industrial Estate, Heywood, where the gang he was part of hid cigarettes and tobacco.

His Honour Judge Steiger said at sentencing that O’Neill “played a prominent and major role in the conspiracy”.

Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: “We are determined to tackle the illicit tobacco trade in Greater Manchester. These men moved smuggled cigarettes and illegal cash around the North West region and, as a result of our actions, we have disrupted criminals who used illegal tobacco as a commodity to fund their lifestyles.

“My message is clear to anyone engaged in this illegal activity – HMRC will pursue those who ignore the rules on the sale, storage and supply of illicit tobacco goods.

“The evasion of excise duty is a criminal offence. If you are caught you will not only have your goods seized but you may also face prosecution and, if convicted, a criminal record or prison sentence. Anyone with information about the illegal trade in smuggled cigarettes and tobacco in the Manchester area should contact the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

The illegal cigarettes were recycled as fuel for the National Grid. All cash and vehicles used by the gang were seized. A full financial investigation into their lifestyles and crime profits will be carried out under Proceeds of Crime legislation.