A money launderer who used an encrypted Encrochat phone to operate "under the radar" has been jailed.

Richard Oliffe, from Beckenham, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after appearing at Southwark Crown Court on March 5 and pleading guilty to money laundering and intent to supply cocaine.

The 34-year-old was caught following a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency and Met Police and Operation Venetic, a world-wide crackdown on crime after European police forces cracked a major encrypted criminal communications network called Encrochat.

The NCA say Oliffe had been using Encrochat to communicate with fellow criminals to arrange the laundering of criminal cash over a period of at least two months, as well as using the platform to buy cocaine which he then sold on.

Thousands of people were arrested in 2020 following the infiltration of Encrochat by European police forces, including dozens of people in south east London described as 'untouchables'.

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Operation Venetic uncovered various conversations between Oliffe and other criminals facilitating the exchange of up to £50,000 at a time which Oliffe said that he would then launder through associates in Dubai.

The messages illustrated that the initial exchanges of £50,000 were done to build trust so that Oliffe could then begin laundering amounts between £200k and £500k.

There was also discussion of a criminal associate who was looking for somebody to launder £4m for them.

On 25 September 2020, Oliffe was arrested at Euston Train Station in possession of a bag containing £34,960. He was later charged with money laundering by OCP officers.

Officers searching Oliffe’s house in Hayes, Kent and found small amounts of cocaine and a £1k of cash.

Oliffe pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and money laundering.

Matt McMillan OCP Operations Manager said “Richard Oliffe believed he could use an encrypted device to conduct his criminal activity under the radar, using it to launder large quantities and to supply cocaine.

“Cash is the lifeblood of organised crime, and money launderers like Oliffe provide an essential service, allowing criminal networks to benefit from their crime and invest in further criminality.

“Removing Oliffe from the chain will have dealt a blow to the criminal networks he worked for.

“This investigation shows the commitment of the NCA and Metropolitan Police to ensure money launderers and drug suppliers face justice.”