Gerard McTaggart, 49, who laundered money for a major Scottish crime gang, died in HMP Edinburgh while serving his sentence.
The Scottish Prison Service shared news of death. McTaggart died on February 4 at HMP Edinburgh. He was from Tollcross, Glasgow. A judge jailed him at Lanark High Court after he admitted involvement in organized crime.
Detectives began watching McTaggart and learned he delivered wages to gangsters. He entered buildings tied to the crime group and met with group members 21 times.
McTaggart often had bags or parcels which he exchanged or dropped off nine times between May and October 2019. He used different cars and meeting spots, trying to avoid police surveillance.
Police arrested him at a plumber’s in Glasgow where he had £14,575 in an Asda bag. His phone showed contacts with gang members, and also had relevant photos and messages.
His lawyer, John Brannigan, spoke after his sentence stating McTaggart pleaded guilty, showing his acceptance. He understood his role was a serious offense and felt shame about his crime involvement.
Brannigan added that it was out of character and the High Court sentencing shocked him, although he knew imprisonment was likely. Police think the group still imports drugs.
Operation Escalade led to many convictions. Over 40 people were convicted of crimes, including drug offenses, money laundering and firearms offenses. Cops extradited suspects abroad, connecting the group’s European and South American activities.
The SPS reported McTaggart’s death and said the matter goes to the Procurator Fiscal. He was 49 when he died.