A London drug dealer who took precautions to conceal his online activity ended up being found inside a wardrobe after a device connected to public Wi-Fi.
Joel Louis, 34, from Wembley, ran the “Bobby” drugs line supplying cocaine and heroin in north Kilburn. Details reported this week describe how investigators traced him despite his use of a virtual private network.
His digital disappearing act apparently didn’t account for the Wi-Fi connection.
Investigators had examined phones recovered from children suspected of involvement in drug supply. A device connecting at the address where Louis was staying helped officers locate him, and police searched the property on 7 July.
His next line of defence was furniture.
A wardrobe full of consequences
Officers quickly discovered Louis hiding inside and arrested him. The search also uncovered approximately £8,800 worth of cocaine and heroin, around £8,000 in cash and six mobile phones.
A loaded firearm, ammunition, a machete and a knife were also recovered.
Phone analysis showed more than 100 calls a day and a contact list containing almost 250 drug users. Police said Louis recruited young people into the operation.
He received 12 years and nine months in prison.
A VPN, multiple phones and a wardrobe. Still couldn’t make himself disappear.