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Syed Hassan, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment at Durham Crown Court, last month, was said to have benefited from his crimes by £428,441.
But as his only known assets were said to be £556.21, seized from him by police, that was the confiscation figure agreed at the court in a Proceeds of Crime Act settlement hearing yesterday (Monday, February 21).
Should he come into further funds, or be found to have previously unknown hidden assets, however, more money could be confiscated in future.
(Image: Durham Constabulary) Hassan, 41, of Barton House, Third Street, Horden, was said to have used an encrypted phone device to contact national and international based criminal associates to facilitate the supply and purchase of cocaine and cannabis.
His offending came to light after police arrested him in 2020 for drug driving.
Following his arrest, further information began to surface and detectives started to build an intelligence picture around him.
It was discovered Hassan had various criminal associates across the UK and was working with them to move Class A and B drugs up and down the country.
He was also regularly in contact with drug producers and suppliers in Morocco and Spain.
The defendant was said to have enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, involving luxury cars, designer clothing, while also travelling extensively, with frequent trips to Malaga, Amsterdam, Pakistan and Dubai.
(Image: Durham Constabulary) When jailed last month he was also made subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order for five years, beginning at his earlier potential prison release date, in June 2031.
(Image: The Northern Echo) He appeared back before the court, via video link from HMP Northumberland, where he is serving the early part of his sentence, to hear the outcome of the crime proceeds procedure.
Ian Cook, for the Crown, said agreement had been reached with the defendant’s lawyers over the settlement figures.
Judge Jo Kidd, therefore, confirmed that he benefitted from his crime to the tune of £428,441, with the available amount for confiscation being the £556.21 seized from him by police.
The judge said that should be paid within 28 days with 14 days in prison, in default.
But she said that was “academic” as the money is already in the possession of the police.
Read next … further court coverage from The Northern Echo by clicking here
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As part of the hearing, the judge also reduced the time Hassan will spend in custody by 92 days.
That was the agreed calculation to account for more than six months he spent subject to an electronically monitored curfew, earlier in proceedings.
Each day on such a “tagged” curfew counts for half-a-day in custody.
“}]] An international drug trafficker from County Durham who enjoyed a luxury lifestyle has been ordered to pay only £556 in crime proceeds. Read More
