Gangster associate Paul Fleming, serving time for drugs and firearms offenses, must forfeit luxury goods to settle crime profits case.
Paul Fleming is in jail for nine years. He helped a crime group traffic drugs and guns. Fleming, age 40, worked for James White, “The Don”. White took over after the Gillespies vanished in Brazil in 2019. White is serving almost ten years in prison.
Fleming fought extradition from Spain. He claimed asylum at first, but he pleaded guilty. He told others to commit crimes in Scotland. He arranged firearm imports for four years. He dealt cocaine and cannabis. He hid illegal money across the UK and Europe.
They used a fake solar panel company. It helped them bring drugs into the country. They bought designer watches to hide money. Fleming directed five gang members in the plot. This occurred from 2017 to 2022, across different locations. These locations are Scotland, England, and also Spain.
After Fleming’s conviction, the Crown took action. They wanted to reclaim crime profits from him. Fleming went to a hearing at the High Court. The judge learned they agreed on a settlement.
Fleming’s lawyer, Allan Macleod, spoke for him. He said Fleming’s criminal benefit was over £1.8 million. The available amount to take was about £126,000. Macleod said authorities already held some money. High-value goods made up the rest. These goods included trainers and designer watches.
Macleod said the goods would go to the police. He reported Fleming signed paperwork. It lets the police take the trainers and watches. Brands include Jimmy Choo. The police will sell these items, Macleod stated. They might get more or less than expected. If so, they will change the settlement terms. The lawyer told the court it could be more or less.
The judge, Lord Cubie, made an order. Fleming must give £125,970.96.