Ian Sweeney. (Image: Spindrift Photo Agency)

Scots drug trafficker who was 'tech expert' to gangsters hit with crime ban

by · Daily Record

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A convicted drug trafficker who set himself up as a "tech expert" for gangsters has been hit with a crime order to thwart his involvement in the underworld.

Ian Sweeney, 53, was jailed for two years at the High Court in Glasgow on October 15 after he admitted being involved in serious organised crime and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, including cocaine and cannabis between March and May 2020. Sweeney, of Salsburgh in North Lanarkshire, raked in a fortune for offering advice and equipment to undwerworld figures that allowed them to sweep cars and properties for bugs planted by crimebusters.

He also shared details of how criminal gangs could adapt vehicles to incorporate hidden compartments, known as "hides" and used to secretly transport drugs. His crimes were unravelled by cops when officers discovered he was using the handle “Bug-sweep” on the EncroChat messaging platform and was in contact with over 100 members of organised crime groups.

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Sweeney was made the subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) following a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today. The order, which impose strict restrictions on Sweeney, will be in place for four years after his release from prison. It means he will be required to notify the police of his movements and restrict his use of communication devices and anti-surveillance technical equipment.

Any breach of a SCPO - designed to protect the public - carries a potential five-year prison sentence.

Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: "As well as prosecuting criminals, COPFS is using all the tools available to us to protect Scottish communities from the harm done by serious organised crime gangs An SCPO places significant restrictions on Ian Sweeney, allowing for intensive monitoring and is designed to restrict his ability to return to serious organised crime once released from prison.

Prosecutors will continue to apply for SCPOs whenever appropriate as part of our commitment to use every means available to keep Scotland’s communities safe."

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