Bust of Indian-Origin Criminal Gang Tied to Drug Dealing and Money Laundering

The UK’s National Crime Agency has dismantled a criminal gang led by Indian-origin individuals Rickinder Hare, Neelen Balarajah, and Hitesh Vadolia. The group was involved in laundering millions, drug distribution, and attempting to fraudulently acquire government grants. The agency continues to investigate their ties to politically exposed individuals overseas.

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has successfully dismantled a criminal gang comprised of Indian-origin operatives, following a two-year investigation revealed connections to politically exposed individuals overseas.

Rickinder Hare, 36, Neelen Balarajah, 34, and Hitesh Vadolia, 54, were responsible for laundering millions in criminal cash and distributing banned class A and B drugs. Balarajah, sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison, attempted to fraudulently acquire GBP 1.5 million in government grants, and Hare received a one-year suspended sentence and community service. Vadolia, a “cash courier,” faced multiple money laundering charges but died before trial.

“This crime group had tentacles reaching into many different activities and were making millions from drugs and money laundering,” Jason Hulme, Senior Manager for the NCA's International Corruption Unit, stated. The NCA continues to investigate their links to politicians overseas.