OCG brought to justice in complex murder and kidnapping case supported by Eurojust

An organised criminal group has been sentenced to a combined total of more than 100 years imprisonment in the United Kingdom for their roles in the kidnapping and killing of a Polish national in a case involving extensive cross-border cooperation. Eurojust supported the investigation through a joint investigation team between the UK and Polish authorities.

In March 2019, the criminal group believing that the victim was responsible for the loss of a large illegal cigarette shipment, abducted the victim from his home in the UK. To carry out the kidnapping, the perpetrators posed as Interpol officers executing a European Arrest Warrant, enabling them to gain control of the victim before taking him to a separate location.

He was then subjected to a sustained violent assault before being abandoned. The victim was able to reach a property nearby and get medical treatment, but died from his injuries two months later.

After the assault, two of the members fled the UK and were traced to Greece and the Dominican Republic. Prosecutors from the UK worked together with their counterparts from both countries to extradite the members ahead of their trials.

Given the case’s links to Poland, the UK and Polish authorities needed to work closely together. With support from Eurojust, a Joint Investigation Team was established, allowing investigators and prosecutors to coordinate their efforts, share evidence and pursue lines of enquiry across borders.