Members of an organised crime group ordered to pay back around £280k

Two members of an organised crime group (OCG) have been ordered to pay back around £280k under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

On Wednesday 26th February 2025, Paul Ibell, Sean Mooney and Edward Kaye all appeared at Chester Crown Court where they were sentenced for their roles in the supply of illegal drugs as part of Operation Leonardo.

This was an investigation conducted by Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis in Chester and North Wales.

Ibell was sentenced to 16 years in prison, Mooney was sentenced to five years, and Kaye was sentenced to three years and four months.

Here is a link to the original sentencing release on this case: Painter by day, dealer by night: Men who ran painting and decorating business jailed for drug supply operation in Cheshire | Cheshire Constabulary

At a hearing on Monday 16th March 2026, a judge ruled that Ibell and Mooney benefited to the total value of approximately £1,499,589.00 due to their criminal activities.

Following an assessment of the assets seized at the time of their arrest, Ibell must now pay £135,063.16, while Mooney must pay £150,456.01. These payments must be made in full within three months.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said:

“Ibell and Mooney were intent on committing crime and profiting off those most vulnerable within Cheshire. Thanks to the work carried out by our dedicated team of officers, not only are they now being held accountable behind bars, but they have also been ordered to pay back a significant amount of their ill-gotten gains.

“The Proceeds of Crime Act is just one of the ways we can disrupt criminality and I hope this case demonstrates the lengths we will go to in order to target those who have profited from crime and ensure that when they are released from prison, they can no longer benefit from wealth earned through criminal means.”