A GLASGOW gangster has been put behind bars for nearly ten years after being found hiding in Brazil.

We previously reported that James White pleaded guilty to supplying millions of pounds of drugs as well as money laundering and possessing firearms and explosives after being brought back to Scotland. 

The offences linked to serious organised crime.  

Today at the High Court in Stirling, the 46-year-old was jailed for nine years and ten months.

In June 2020, White was arrested in Fortaleza, Brazil, during a joint operation with the Brazilian Federal Police as part of Operation Escalade – the Police Scotland investigation into one of the country's top-tier and most prolific serious organised crime groups.

Glasgow Times:

In August last year, he was extradited back to Scotland.

Katie Stewart, who leads on international co-operation for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “James White’s return was secured after consideration of the severity of his offences and the impact of offending on his victims.

“Seeking extradition requires the deployment of considerable resources on the part of COPFS and our partners.

“COPFS is committed to collaborating with international justice partners. The extradition of White shows that such close working relationships between foreign authorities ensures that justice can be served.”

Kenny Donnelly, Deputy Crown Agent, Specialist Casework, added: “This case shows that justice does not stop at the border, and we will robustly use every avenue across multiple jurisdictions to bring criminals to justice in Scotland.

“The Crown will continue working with the police and other agencies as a member of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.

“We regularly collaborate across jurisdictional boundaries as part of our commitment to protect our societies and people from harm. And this individual was a prominent criminal who failed in his attempt to avoid justice.”

Since its inception in 2014, Operation Escalade has now seen almost 50 people convicted for being involved in serious organised crime.

Detective Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime, said: “As part of one of Scotland’s most prolific organised crime groups, White thought he was above the law and even fled the country to evade justice.

“The unwavering hard work of our officers, working with partners in this country and abroad, meant that he was tracked down to Brazil and extradited back to this country to face the consequences of his criminal actions.

“Police Scotland is committed to disrupting the activities of organised crime groups and will continue to work in partnership, including with the members of the country’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, to keep our communities safe.”