The downfall of a Trafford crime boss: From yacht parties to life in jail

An international crime boss from Trafford who lived a ‘life of luxury’ has been jailed for 37 years after being brought down by Greater Manchester Police.

Aram Sheibani was described as a “calculated, deceitful and scheming” individual who funded his £5 million property estate, collection of classic cars and yacht parties through drug dealing and fraud.

But the crime boss was taken down when police raided one of his opulent homes in Altrincham in 2019 – with officers finding thousands in cash, safety deposit keys, crypto currency recovery codes, cocaine, and two mobile phones with military grade encryption.

Two devices were smashed and submerged down the toilet in an attempt by Sheibani to destroy evidence.

During further raids of Sheibani’s other properties, police found cash counting machines, encrypted USBs, and a ‘substantial amount’ of drugs including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy.

Two Bentleys, a gull wing Mercedes and a Porsche were recovered, as well as a number of original artwork pieces – including those by artists such as Banksy and Andy Warhol – which were later found to be obtained through illegitimate means.

The warrants led to the discovery of £1.2 million of cash and £1.5 million in crypto currency overall.

Sheibani dedicated time to covering his tracks by purchasing, re-mortgaging and selling properties in the UK and Spain – attempting to ‘complicate and frustrate law enforcement’ with regards to understanding his income.

He also obtained properties by fraud – masquerading as a legitimate businessman whilst falsifying his earnings to facilitate further borrowing.

Sheibani failed to file tax returns or declare income during some financial years, and produced forged documents and bank statements to support his false declared earnings.

During interrogation, he failed to provide pins and passwords for encrypted electronic devices and iron key USB – behaviour for which he was given an additional three years in jail.

Sentencing Sheibani at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court for 20 fraud, money laundering and drug offences, Judge Anthony Cross QC told the 40-year-old that his “greed knew no boundaries.”

Sergeant Lucy Pearson, of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, called Sheibani a “dishonest individual who has not shown any remorse for his actions throughout this entire investigation, refusing to co-operate with police and attempting to destroy evidence.”

She added: “The extent of Sheibani’s criminality should not be underestimated, not only is he involved in tax evasion and money laundering which has a detrimental effect on the economy and society, resulting in honest tax payers feeling that burden, but the source of his tainted income is as a result of a class A drugs conspiracy.

“May today’s sentencing serve as a warning to anyone thinking they can get away with such fraudulent and criminal activity, we will find you, and ensure that you face the full consequences of your actions.”

Featured image: GMP