A drug dealer has been jailed after police uncovered his illegal activities - and how he was hiding his ill-gotten gains.
Benjamin Dack was jailed for four years at York Crown Court on Friday (Oct 23) after admitting three charges including possession with intent to supply cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
The 28-year-old was part of an investigation into drug dealing in the Scarborough area, and he was arrested on a number of occasions.
Police said he ‘audaciously’ continued to deal drugs despite being arrested.
A report by North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Investigator showed large quantities of cash, money and crypto currency being used to facilitate the supply of drugs.
Officers found clear evidence that Dack made significant efforts to evade detection, using various techniques to hide the origin of his money to prevent suspicion.
He also had luxury items such as Rolex watches, which he used as an attempt to hide the income from his dealing.
Detective Constable Alfie Thomlinson, North Yorkshire Police Major Investigation Team said: "Throughout numerous interviews, Dack either remained silent or no comment but the evidence spoke for itself - Dack was heavily involved in the supply of Cannabis on a large scale.
"The extensive work carried out by our Financial Investigator Amy Monkman, cannot be understated and has been key in providing evidence of drug dealing and the money made.
“We are pleased with today's outcome, but our work does not stop there - we will continue to take a firm stance against drug-related crime in our area and work closely with community partners to reduce the irrefutable harm caused by drugs, especially its impact on vulnerable people in our communities."
Amy Monkman said: "As part of the investigation, access to the defendant’s phone indicated use of cryptocurrency and we were able to identify transactions linked to the buying and selling of drugs using cryptocurrency for payment.
"Cryptocurrency is becoming a popular method for concealing assets and disguising the movement of funds.
"North Yorkshire Police have the tools to investigate the use of cryptocurrency and seize criminal funds - our Economic Crime Unit are committed to ensuring any benefit from criminality is identified and seized depriving criminals of their ill-gotten gains."
The information identified a balance of Bitcoin which was subsequently seized with an approximate value of £4,104, and along with cash seized of £7,580 which is currently being preserved ahead of a hearing in March 2027 under the Proceeds of Crime Act that will determine the financial benefit obtained through criminal conduct and the amount to be confiscated.
On May 28, Dack pleaded not guilty to assaulting an emergency worker which took place on April 22 whilst a police officer was arresting Dack. This offence was allowed to remain on file.