Crime kingpin Jamie ‘Iceman’ Stevenson orchestrated a firebomb attack on his own home after losing it to prosecutors, as revealed in recent developments. Stevenson, 59, used his Encrochat device to order Lewis Connor, 29, to target his £375,000 property in Dennyloanhead, Falkirk. The sinister plan came to light after French authorities cracked the Encrochat system used by criminals to conceal their illegal activities. Connor, under the handle ‘LivingSilver’, communicated with Stevenson, known as ‘BigTasty’, regarding the attack and surveillance of other properties.
Connor was convicted of wilful fireraising and conspiring to set fire to various properties and vehicles in Falkirk, Airdrie, Glasgow, and Blantyre. Stevenson’s involvement was not disclosed during Connor’s trial due to legal restrictions. Despite being charged in connection with the incidents, Stevenson’s not guilty pleas were accepted as part of a plea deal. The court heard how Connor’s phone data linked him to the targeted properties, leading to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment.
The firebomb attack on Stevenson’s former home occurred after it was seized during a proceeds of crime action. The property’s new owner, James Donnelly, shared his shock at the incident, which resulted in significant damage and a substantial financial loss. Additionally, CeCe’s salon in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, was also targeted following instructions from Stevenson. The trial revealed Connor’s involvement in these criminal activities, with two other individuals previously imprisoned for their roles in the salon attack.
Stevenson’s criminal activities extended beyond orchestrating the firebomb attacks. He was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for masterminding a plot to smuggle £100 million worth of cocaine from South America concealed in banana boxes. Stevenson’s gang members received a total of 29 years in prison for their involvement in the drug smuggling operation. Sheriff Colin Dunipace emphasized the seriousness of the crimes committed at the behest of individuals using Encrochat to communicate.
The trial surrounding these criminal activities shed light on the alarming extent of Stevenson’s underworld operations. Stevenson’s actions not only resulted in significant financial losses and property damage but also endangered the lives of innocent individuals caught in the crossfire of his illicit schemes. As authorities continue to crack down on organised crime networks, cases like Stevenson’s serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against criminal enterprises and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.