UK Crime Bosses Convicted in Major Cocaine Smuggling and Murder Plot
Published 24 June 2025
Highlights
- James Harding and Jayes Kharouti were found guilty of plotting to murder a rival and importing cocaine into the UK.
- The criminal syndicate led by Harding made over £5 million in profits from drug trafficking in just 10 weeks during 2020.
- The plot was uncovered through an EncroChat investigation, which revealed encrypted communications between the conspirators.
- Harding and Kharouti used nicknames "thetopsking" and "besttops" to discuss their plans, including hiring a hitman for a "full M" murder.
- Both men were extradited to the UK after being arrested abroad, with Harding apprehended in Switzerland and Kharouti in Turkey.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: UK Crime Bosses Convicted in Major Cocaine Smuggling and Murder Plot
In a significant legal victory against organized crime, James Harding, 34, and his associate Jayes Kharouti, 39, have been convicted of orchestrating a murder plot and importing cocaine into the UK. The convictions come after an extensive investigation into their criminal activities, which were uncovered through the encrypted messaging service EncroChat.
Sophisticated Criminal Network
Harding, who lived a lavish lifestyle in Dubai, led a criminal syndicate that generated over £5 million in profits from drug trafficking within a mere 10 weeks in 2020. Posing as a luxury watch sales executive, Harding's operations were anything but legitimate. His second-in-command, Kharouti, played a pivotal role in the syndicate's operations, which included plans to eliminate a rival drug courier.
The EncroChat Breakthrough
The plot to murder the rival was foiled when law enforcement accessed communications on EncroChat, a platform favored by criminals for its perceived security. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC revealed that Harding and Kharouti, using the aliases "thetopsking" and "besttops," discussed hiring a hitman to carry out the murder, referred to as a "full M." The plan involved a firearm and ammunition, with Kharouti allegedly offering £100,000 to the hitman.
Extradition and Trial
Both Harding and Kharouti were arrested abroad and extradited to the UK to face trial at the Old Bailey. Harding was detained at Geneva Airport in December 2021, while Kharouti was apprehended in Turkey. Their trial was conducted under tight security, reflecting the seriousness of their crimes. The judge warned that both men face substantial prison sentences.
-
Scenario Analysis
The convictions of Harding and Kharouti mark a significant blow to organized crime in the UK, particularly in the realm of drug smuggling and violent conspiracies. As the legal proceedings move towards sentencing, the case underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation and advanced technology in dismantling criminal networks. The use of EncroChat as a tool for law enforcement could set a precedent for future investigations, potentially leading to more breakthroughs in combating organized crime. The sentencing of Harding and Kharouti will likely serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illicit activities, reinforcing the message that such criminal enterprises will face severe consequences.
In a significant legal victory against organized crime, James Harding, 34, and his associate Jayes Kharouti, 39, have been convicted of orchestrating a murder plot and importing cocaine into the UK. The convictions come after an extensive investigation into their criminal activities, which were uncovered through the encrypted messaging service EncroChat.
Sophisticated Criminal Network
Harding, who lived a lavish lifestyle in Dubai, led a criminal syndicate that generated over £5 million in profits from drug trafficking within a mere 10 weeks in 2020. Posing as a luxury watch sales executive, Harding's operations were anything but legitimate. His second-in-command, Kharouti, played a pivotal role in the syndicate's operations, which included plans to eliminate a rival drug courier.
The EncroChat Breakthrough
The plot to murder the rival was foiled when law enforcement accessed communications on EncroChat, a platform favored by criminals for its perceived security. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC revealed that Harding and Kharouti, using the aliases "thetopsking" and "besttops," discussed hiring a hitman to carry out the murder, referred to as a "full M." The plan involved a firearm and ammunition, with Kharouti allegedly offering £100,000 to the hitman.
Extradition and Trial
Both Harding and Kharouti were arrested abroad and extradited to the UK to face trial at the Old Bailey. Harding was detained at Geneva Airport in December 2021, while Kharouti was apprehended in Turkey. Their trial was conducted under tight security, reflecting the seriousness of their crimes. The judge warned that both men face substantial prison sentences.
What this might mean
The convictions of Harding and Kharouti mark a significant blow to organized crime in the UK, particularly in the realm of drug smuggling and violent conspiracies. As the legal proceedings move towards sentencing, the case underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation and advanced technology in dismantling criminal networks. The use of EncroChat as a tool for law enforcement could set a precedent for future investigations, potentially leading to more breakthroughs in combating organized crime. The sentencing of Harding and Kharouti will likely serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illicit activities, reinforcing the message that such criminal enterprises will face severe consequences.
