Operation to disrupt organised crime activity ongoing
A Police Scotland operation - aimed at disrupting the activities of one of Scotland’s most prolific organised crime groups which has spanned nine years - remains ongoing.
Since its inception in 2014, Operation Escalade has seen 42 people convicted for serious offences including being involved in serious and organised crime, the supply and possession of drugs, firearms offences and money laundering.
Eight fugitives connected to the group’s criminality in this country have been arrested on international warrants in Europe and South America with the co-operation of law enforcement partners in the UK and abroad and extradited back to Scotland to face justice.
Two other men, James and Barry Gillespie, remain at large and are still wanted by Police Scotland for their involvement in the group’s activities.
Officers have been in contact with the brothers’ family and have intimated that it is possible that they may have come to harm abroad.
Detective Inspector Michael Lochrie of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said:
“Despite previous appeals, which have focussed on The Netherlands and Brazil, we are still appealing for anyone who has information about the current whereabouts of James and Barry Gillespie to get in touch with Police Scotland.
“The dedicated team of officers attached to Operation Escalade have been successfully targeting those involved in serious organised crime domestically and internationally for nine years.
“A number of the arrests made were only possible due to the support of international law enforcement agencies abroad. This co-operation remains ongoing and I am grateful for the assistance of our colleagues.”
Most recently, Police Scotland officers arrested a fugitive in Brazil during an operation with the Brazilian Federal Police and another man was extradited from Italy after being arrested in Turin.
Anyone with information about James and Barry Gillespie should contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.
