Arron Corkovic, a notorious grime figure from Dixon Avenue, Salford, was sentenced to 13 years in prison at Manchester Crown Court on 13 December 2022. Despite previously serving time, Corkovic returned to serious criminal activities involving heroin and firearms distribution across the north-west of England and overseas.
Corkovic was released early from prison after serving eight years for a violent robbery at Morrisons in Whitefield. However, he breached a Serious Crime Prevention Order by resuming his criminal operations. Using an EncroChat phone under the alias ‘stealthy’, he connected with organised crime groups in Salford, Manchester, Merseyside, and Dubai.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) dismantled the EncroChat network in 2020, which led to the exposure of Corkovic’s illegal activities. Evidence revealed he was planning to supply a kilogram of heroin for £16,000 and was involved in arranging firearm transfers.
Corkovic received nine years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and an additional four years for encouraging the transfer of a firearm. These sentences will run consecutively, ensuring a lengthy prison term.
Detective Constable Steven Walker from Greater Manchester Police’s Organised Crime Unit stated, “Despite spending most of his twenties in prison, Corkovic intended to keep up his lucrative criminal empire. Even after early release, he immediately dived back into dealing heroin, guns, and ammo – the crimes that hurt communities the most.”
He added, “Thanks to Operation Venetic and our partners at the NCA, we will continue hunting down those exploiting EncroChat. The Crown Prosecution Service also deserves credit for securing this result.”
Authorities are now preparing a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) against Corkovic. This legal action highlights the ongoing tough stance on offenders who continue criminal activities after release from prison.
Originally published by UKNIP.
