Drugs boss using handle ‘monstermunchman’ jailed after encrypted network busted

A drug dealer who used an encrypted network to supply cocaine to the North West has been jailed.

Jamie Joseph Veale, 32, from Widnes, used the secretive communications network Encrochat to run his large-scale operation under the handle ‘monstermunchman’.

Encrochat was used by serious crime operations before it was eventually cracked by international law enforcement in May 2020.

Veale, although seemingly unemployed, bragged of staying in luxury villas on long holidays abroad, owned a jet ski and wore designer watches.

After bringing the encrypted communications network down, Cheshire Police became part of a huge operation to crack down on organised crime, led by the National Crime Agency alongside North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The operation identified Veale as a suspect. It was discovered that between May 19th and June 13th 2020, Veale used the encrypted chat service to negotiate prices for kilos of cocaine from those who imported the Class A drug in bulk amounts.

He was responsible for the supply of at least 17kg of cocaine.

A warrant was executed for Veale’s address on Monday June 29th 2020, where Cheshire Police found multiple mobile devices, cash, a large amount of designer jewellery and clothing, and drug related paraphernalia.

Veale, of Moorside Road, was arrested and charged with drugs supply offences. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs at Liverpool Crown Court and was jailed for 18 years.

Detective Sergeant Christian Gordon said: “Despite having no job, Veale reaped the benefits of his criminal activity, owning luxury items and going on expensive trips abroad.

“He was responsible for the supply of a substantial amount of cocaine and ran his conspiracy through a platform he believed would keep him under the radar.

“But after EncroChat was infiltrated, officers were able to comb through messages attributed to Veale under a codename and collect a catalogue of evidence against him. Thanks to this hard work, he is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars.

“Although this case is now closed, our fight continues against those intent on bringing illegal drugs into our communities.

“If you have any information in relation to drugs offences, please contact us via cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or call 101.”