An unemployed man has been sentenced to four years in prison after a bank flagged his substantial financial activity, which was later linked to drug trafficking. Ross Black, 33, amassed over £709,000 in cash and bank accounts despite not holding a job since February 2021 and paying no tax or National Insurance.
Black pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine between October 2022 and October 2023. He also admitted to acquiring and possessing criminal property amounting to £709,623 between April 2021 and October 2023.
His undeclared income came to light when a Monzo bank account showed a turnover of approximately £43,724 over a two-month period. This activity far exceeded the bank's expectations for someone in his purported line of work, triggering a report. Further investigations revealed additional bank and savings accounts.
Police also received intelligence regarding Black's involvement in cocaine supply. During a traffic stop, officers found 17 bags of cocaine, valued at about £1,500, along with a phone containing messages related to drug transactions. A search of his home uncovered more than £10,000 in cash.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Summers stated that Black would have received a six-year sentence, but this was reduced due to his guilty pleas. The Crown is currently seeking to recover the profits Black made from his criminal activities.