A team which worked tirelessly on a complex and unique robbery investigation which resulted in significant sentences, have received Commendations from the Chief Constable.
Operation Dogma involved the use of new and innovative approaches to investigations utilising both overt and covert tactics in order to uncover attempts by the offenders to conceal their criminal proceeds within cryptocurrency.
The officers commended were:
- Detective Superintendent Jenny Beattie
- Detective Inspector Matt Belshaw
- Detective Constable Caroline Middleton
- Case Progression Officer Nikki Knott
Detective Inspector Matt Belshaw, Detective Constable Caroline Middleton and Detective Superintendent Jenny Beattie - who oversaw and managed the investigation - were praised for their outstanding detective work and expert control of the investigation.
The officers were supported by Nikki Knott in the Criminal Justice Unit who worked relentlessly to ensure that this complex case was presented effectively and in a way that was easy to understand for a jury, which assisted greatly in securing combined sentences of over 12 years for the two offenders.
Detective Superintendent Beattie said: "The successful prosecution of offenders who sought to use cryptocurrency to conceal their criminal gains and evade identification was believed to be a first to be put before court in this country.
"Unravelling these attempts to evade justice took considerable time and effort. However, the team worked relentlessly and with determination in order to secure significant sentences for the two men involved.
"The efforts of all involved reflect very positively on the Constabulary, were praised by the judge at court, and are worth of Commendation."
More: Men jailed for armed robbery using cryptocurrency exchange - BBC News