Gun Plot Busted: Three Charged After NCA Crackdown
Three men have been charged following a major National Crime Agency (NCA) probe into a plot to buy firearms and ammo. The discovery came after the takedown of the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform, known for aiding criminals.
Crackdown Hits Staffordshire and Liverpool
- Thomas Kavanagh, 55, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, is already serving 21 years for drug trafficking. He now faces firearms offences and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
- Shaun Kent, 37, from Liverpool, has been charged with firearms offences and conspiring to pervert justice.
- Daniel McLoughlin, 36, also from Liverpool, faces firearms charges.
All three men appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 8 August and will return to the Old Bailey on 5 September.
Spanish Arrests and Extraditions Underway
Operation Venetic, the international mission behind the bust, also led to the arrests of Jack Kavanagh, 23, from Tamworth, and Liam Byrne, 42, from Dublin, in Spain. Extradition proceedings are in progress.
The NCA suspects Liam Byrne, Jack Kavanagh, and Shaun Kent plotted to reveal hidden weapons locations to help Thomas Kavanagh secure a reduced sentence.
NCA Vows to Tackle Top-Level Organised Crime
“These charges are a major milestone in what has been a long and complex international investigation,” said Craig Turner, NCA Regional Head of Investigations.
“We will continue to work with our partners to target criminals who we suspect are operating at the highest levels of organised crime impacting on the UK.”
