Drug gang used dirty money to buy Banksy artworks and fund lavish lifestyle

The gangs Banksy artworks could be worth £190,000

A woman and five men have been sentenced for their part in the large-scale importation, production, and supply of cannabis. It is believed they used the funds from their drug sales to buy a range of art, including the work of renowned Bristol street artist Banksy.

The artwork is due to be part of a proceeds of crime act process in the coming months but could be worth more than £190,000. The art seized includes Banksy’s Grappling Hook, worth £150,000; Monkey Queen portrait, worth £25,000, and The Watchtower Swing portrait, estimated to be worth £1,000.

In addition to artwork, the group also purchased designer items, a caravan, quad bikes, and jet skis with an estimated value of £48,400. Over three years, Gwent Police carried out 12 warrants were carried out across Ebbw Vale during which cash, cannabis, mobile phones, and art were seized.

Today, (October 11), the five men and one woman, all from Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, have been sentenced. They are:

• Christopher Scrivens, 37, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for the importation of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
• A 33-year-old man has been given a two-year community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
• A 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
• A 33-year-old man has been given an 18-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis and possessing criminal property
• A 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis
• A 41-year-old woman has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for possessing criminal property.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Preston, of Gwent Police, said: “This is a particularly complex case, where the defendants have attempted to hide the proceeds of their crimes in extravagant items of clothing, vehicles, and artwork.

“I'd like to thank all the officers and staff within Gwent Police for their hard work to bring these defendants before the courts and ensure thousands of pounds of criminal assets have been seized. Taking away the assets that criminals have purchased through crime, sends the message that crime does not pay.

“Drug dealers cause misery to our communities; they have no consideration for the distress and fear they cause, and we will continue to target anyone intent on causing our neighbourhoods harm.

"In the past few months, we've seen several arrests and charges for serious and organised crime thanks to the reports and information from the public. You play a vital role in helping us tackle drug dealing, I would urge anyone with any concerns or information about drug use or supply in your community to get in contact.”