A labourer from Fife, jailed for using an encrypted messaging app and cryptocurrency to buy a gun from the USA, is “close” to settling his proceeds of crime action.
Jack Whittle,26, used Bitcoin to purchase a Glock 17 pistol and 150 rounds of ammunition for the firearm over the internet.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how he asked a mystery seller based at an unknown location in America to send the deadly package to his home in Buckhaven.
Whittle contacted the seller using Telegram – an app described by the then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid as providing a “mouthpiece” for terrorists.
The court heard how Whittle’s plans to become a repeat purchaser from the mysterious vendor were thwarted by a US government special agent who intercepted the gun in Buffalo, New York.
Drugs found in home
Judge Lady Poole heard how the American authorities tipped off the National Crime Agency in the UK, which created a “placebo package” to be sent to Whittle.
Plain-clothed, armed police officers swooped on Whittle and took him into custody hours after the package was delivered on February 2 last year.
In his home, detectives found cocaine and ecstasy with a street value of £5,000.
His lawyer said the gun was unlikely to fall into the hands of organised crime.
She said during lockdown, “he had most of his time on the internet and spent most of his time taking drugs.”
He was jailed last year for six years after pleading guilty to breaching firearms laws and being involved in the supply of cocaine.
Proceeds of Crime
Prosecutors then launched an action using proceeds of crime legislation in a bid to seize his ill gotten gains.
On Monday, defence advocate Janice Green told judge Lord Tyre that she thought the action would be settled soon.
Asking the judge to continue the case to a hearing next month, Ms Green added: “The case is close to settlement.”
The case will next call at the High Court in Edinburgh on May 23 2022.
