In October 2022, police seized over £1 million in cash, high-value watches, and other assets from a mansion in Merseyside as part of an operation targeting an EncroChat money launderer known as a "criminal concierge."

The operation involved three simultaneous raids across Merseyside, including at Cleveley Cottage, the home of 43-year-old Anthony Kane. Kane communicated with major criminals using EncroChat handles 'Swiftray' and 'Dual-time,' engaging in illicit trading of luxury watches and vehicles.

Investigators discovered that Kane used several sham companies to help his criminal associates disguise their drug trafficking proceeds. His activities were under the watch of a specialized Merseyside Police team focused on tracking proceeds of crime.

The police operation culminated in a raid where, after breaching the mansion's front door and window, officers arrested Kane. The search yielded £254,990 in cash and 16 luxury watches valued at approximately £950,000, including a Richard Mille PSG watch worth around £350,000, along with over £150,000 in vehicles, jewellery, and designer clothing.

Kane first came under investigation in December 2021. His criminal activities were traced back to February 2018 when he was stopped by Met Police while driving an Audi SQ5, found with nearly €214,360 in cash. This cash was forfeited as proceeds of crime in August 2018.

Originally, police seized phones from Kane unaware that one was used for EncroChat. It wasn't until early 2020, after a police hack of the network, that authorities could access the data, which identified Kane as the user behind 'Swiftray' and 'Dual-time.'

Following the raid, police obtained a court order to restrain Kane's assets, which included several properties in the UK and abroad, vehicles, and bank holdings.

Kane pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including operating as a high-value dealer without registration, failing to manage money laundering risks, and multiple counts related to tax evasion.

While admitting to using the EncroChat device, Kane denied engaging with criminals, claiming it was simply a new gadget for his business. However, evidence revealed he was in contact with notable criminals.

Kane's trial revealed he was involved in a cash transfer of £167,200 via a known money launderer. Throughout his trial, Kane continued to plead guilty to additional offences related to criminal property possession and laundering.

In July 2024, Kane was sentenced to seven years in prison. On February 4, 2024, at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, he was ordered to forfeit approximately £900,000 in assets, in addition to £254,990 already forfeited.

Detective Sergeant Rob Brown, who led the investigation, emphasized Kane's significant role in organized crime and the laundering of drug trafficking proceeds. He noted the collaboration with various crime units to ensure that the investigation addressed serious organized crime, ultimately aiming at returning seized illicit wealth to communities.