A Coventry drug dealer known as 'Big Wolf', who orchestrated a multi-million pound cocaine network, has been ordered to repay a shockingly small fraction of his criminal profits.
The 'Big Wolf' Cocaine Empire
Steven Woolridge, 40, who used the aliases 'Mr Wolf' and 'Big Wolf', was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison earlier this year for his leading role in a massive drug operation. The court heard how Woolridge coordinated the supply of hundreds of kilos of cocaine, using vans to transport the drugs from London and Bedfordshire to the West Midlands.
He also acted as a crucial link between UK-based dealers and international criminal organisations. Woolridge was the eleventh member of the conspiracy to be imprisoned, with the group collectively receiving more than 100 years in jail time.
The Staggering Confiscation Order
At a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, November 27, the financial details of Woolridge's criminal enterprise were laid bare. The court first established a benefit figure of £12,056,000, representing the total value he gained from his drug trafficking activities.
However, the available amount – the total sum of his assets considered recoverable – was calculated at just £8,864.65. This is the amount Woolridge must repay within three months, or face an additional three months in prison. The specifics of how these figures were determined were not disclosed in court, as they had been previously agreed upon by both the prosecution and Woolridge's defence team.
Co-defendant's Reduced Liability
The hearing also addressed the case of Joe Whyley, a 40-year-old accomplice who was jailed for eight years and three months for his involvement. Following a legal dispute, Judge Peter Cooke ruled that Whyley played a managerial role in facilitating the supply of 40 kilograms of cocaine but was not the owner of the drugs.
Consequently, his benefit figure was set at £44,960, deemed to be his 'wage' from the operation. Whyley was ordered to repay an available amount of just £760.03.
The case highlights the challenges authorities face in recovering criminal assets, even when the scale of illegal profits is astronomically high.
