Criminal Profits vs Meager Seizures | UK News

James Close, locked up for 36 years for serious crimes including helping procure an AK-47, was found to have made over $1.5 million from his illegal activities—but authorities could only seize about $500 worth of assets, mostly cash and designer clothes. His close associate, Jamie Rothwell—a notorious Salford gangster sentenced to 43 years—was exposed through the EncroChat hack, involved in hits, drugs, and guns. While Close sent threatening texts like “acid your face off,” Rothwell’s lawyer claims he’s “tired” of crime and wants to steer kids away. Rothwell’s asset hearing is pushed to October, while Close has just three months to pay the $500 from selling seized goods—a tiny fraction of his ill-gotten gains. The case underscores how complex and frustrating asset recovery can be, even when criminals rake in millions. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7fd09301dc870290