A prison drug money laundering scheme has been uncovered and dismantled. The plot, centred around HMP Parc, involved a convicted prisoner, a former prison officer, and two others working together to hide funds believed to be generated from drug sales within the prison.
An investigation by the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) revealed that inmate David James Braddon, 38, had recruited former prison officer Claire Ann Jones, 39, to help move the money.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Pearce of Tarian ROCU said: "Tarian will continue to work with the prison service to proactively identify and investigate prisoners who continue to offend, as well as those who seek to enable them."
Braddon contacted Jones multiple times using an illicit mobile phone hidden in his cell.
Jones then opened a bank account in her name and used it to move funds between accounts linked to other prisoners.
She was dismissed from her role at HMP Parc in July 2023 after failing her probation period.
Between September 9, 2023, and March 28, 2024, £21,045 was paid into her account.
Additional accounts belonging to Braddon’s mother, Karen Elizabeth Graham, 57, and his partner, Gemma Louise Phillips, 41, were also used to transfer the illegal funds.
All four defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.
Sentencing took place at Cardiff Crown Court on July 31.
Braddon, currently held at HMP Cardiff, was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for being concerned in the acquisition, retention, use, or possession of criminal property, and nine months for possession of a mobile phone in prison, to be served concurrently.
Jones, of Tonypandy, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for possession of criminal property.
Graham, of Caerphilly, received a one year and six months suspended sentence for two years.
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Phillips, also from Caerphilly, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison.
A HMP Parc spokesperson said: "Today's outcome shows the capability of joint operations involving the prison, HMPPS, and southern Wales police to bring criminals to justice."
The Prison Intelligence Unit within Tarian led the investigation.
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