Former Getaway Driver in Police Murder Jailed for Gun Trafficking

Faisal Razzaq, 45, has been sentenced to two life sentences for his significant role in an underworld gun supply operation, involving the conversion and sale of reactivated blank-firing handguns to criminals across London. The sentence comes years after Razzaq served time as the getaway driver for the gang that murdered PC Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005.

Scotland Yard's Specialist Crime Command identified Razzaq as a key figure in the supply chain. The firearms were converted by Thomas McKenna, 60, a man described as a far-right extremist who had expressed views about preparing for conflict with Muslims. McKenna operated a hidden workshop on a caravan site in South Ockenden, Essex, where he modified weapons.

During covert surveillance, Razzaq was recorded instructing an associate, Abdul Rahman Saleh, to shoot at police if they attempted to apprehend him. "Feds try and grab you, just shoot at the car, shoot in the air. I don't care where you shoot but you've got to shoot bro," Razzaq reportedly said.

PC Beshenivsky was killed on November 18, 2005, while responding to an armed robbery at a travel agent's in Bradford. She was shot by one of the robbers as she and her colleague, PC Teresa Milburn, approached the scene. Razzaq, who was waiting nearby in a getaway car, was later sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years for manslaughter.

Following his release in 2017, Razzaq established himself in the illicit arms trade, reportedly using a luxury car hire company as a cover. The Metropolitan Police launched "Operation Eatchief" to dismantle his network, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals and the recovery of several converted firearms. Authorities also seized weapons and materials intended for conversion.

In one incident related to the operation, police intercepted a vehicle carrying thousands of pounds in cash, a converted Turkish Ceonic P320 pistol, and hollow point bullets. Forensic analysis linked McKenna to some of the recovered firearms. Further investigation revealed Razzaq's collaboration with Saleh in selling the weapons, with Razzaq alone selling ten revolvers in August 2024.

McKenna's workshop contained not only firearms but also explosives, including homemade grenades and precursor chemicals. He was reportedly motivated by extremist views and intended to use the weapons in a race war. McKenna was previously jailed for 16 years in February. His partner, Tina Smith, received a seven-year sentence.

Other individuals involved in the conspiracy, including Ricky Dorey, Robert Dorey, Abdul Rahman Saleh, Allan Crosby, and Ryan Smith, received sentences ranging from seven to ten years for their roles in the firearms supply operation.

Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple stated that the operation had resulted in significant reductions in converted blank firearms used in shootings in London, calling it a rare instance of dismantling an entire criminal network.