At Wood Green Crown Court, 21-Year-Old Ali Lwanga of Baron Walk, London E16 was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to rob and one count of money laundering and concealing stolen property following a string of robberies across East London.
The case against Lwanga was aided by irrefutable forensic evidence secured using SmartWater, an invisible liquid which can only be seen under ultraviolet light. Tim Ramm – G4S’ regional risk director – was present in Court to witness the verdict.
Lwanga, who claimed he committed these crimes to pay off debts, had recruited a team of youths to carry out the robberies, allowing him to direct the attacks from a safe distance. Tests conducted by SmartWater scientists on recovered money and clothing provided the evidence linking Lwanga to at least four Cash-in-Transit robberies and three cases of money laundering.
G4S has partnered with SmartWater Technology in incorporating the new product within a variety of anti-theft systems and cashboxes to protect cash delivery couriers. The UK-wide partnership is the first of its kind involving a Cash-in-Transit organisation.
Speaking about the conviction, Adam Miller – risk director at G4S Cash Services (UK) – said: “This conviction is testament to the excellent work of the Metropolitan Police Service. We thank them for their diligence in pursuing the perpetrators of this crime.”
Miller continued: “The partnership with SmartWater is just one of several proactive initiatives we are taking in association with police forces and other key Stakeholders such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the GMB Trade Union, banks and retailers to curtail the number of attacks taking place.”
Investigating officer DC Laurie Bays of the Barking Flying Squad added: “This is the first time SmartWater evidence has been presented during a trial to help us convict a Cash-in-Transit robber. The technology’s proving to be an extremely valuable tool in both detecting and preventing crime. We hope this conviction will serve as a warning to other potential criminals that they cannot escape.”
