Eight men orchestrated a sophisticated cannabis farm electricity theft scheme, giving industrial-scale cannabis operations a criminal twist. These criminals posed as electricians and utilities workers, tapping directly into the mains supply to power illegal UK cannabis farms. This news-style summary highlights how the gang executed their plan, the outcome of the criminal case, and the wider impact on both the electricity grid and communities.

Organised Crime Targets UK Electricity to Power Cannabis Farms

Organised crime gangs are constantly looking for new ways to grow their profits. The latest scheme saw a group of eight men dig up roads around the UK, pretending to be utilities repair teams dressed in high visibility gear. Their real mission? Supplying illegal cannabis farms with free electricity by diverting power straight from the mains cables.

The Crown Prosecution Service described their operation as both “sophisticated” and “dangerous”. The men used a legitimate-looking company as cover, complete with branded vans and official-looking cordons. Over three years, they diverted over £250,000 worth of electricity, powering cannabis farms run mostly by Albanian and other organised crime groups. This method produced cannabis valued at over £7 million, showcasing the scale and profitability of these illicit activities.

How Cannabis Farm Electricity Theft Was Carried Out

Criminals Masquerading as Utility Workers

Using a company called Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd as a front, the gang drove company-branded vans to targeted sites across the UK. They cordoned off pavements and roads, equipped themselves in full utilities gear, and pretended to fix underground cables. With WhatsApp as their communication tool, the group planned and executed at least 54 illegal digs.

While some played the part of groundsmen to keep the work looking legitimate, others—with specialist skills in cable jointing—directly tapped into live power lines. This was a highly risky manoeuvre, as evidenced by photographs found during the investigation showing burns on some members, caused by electrical faults.

The Role of “Professional Enablers” in Organised Crime

The Crown Prosecution Service labelled the group as “professional enablers”, a term used for those who used specialist skills and knowledge to aid criminal activity. Key figures included Ross McGinn, a 33-year-old from Merseyside, and brothers Andrew and Graham Roberts from Wigan. McGinn and Andrew Roberts owned the fake company, managing logistics and directing operations for the illegal roadworks. Graham Roberts, known as “Ganny”, had the technical know-how to make the connections, though a professional inspector described his work as poor and hazardous.

Major Sentences Handed Down for Cannabis Farm Electricity Theft

Liverpool Crown Court Delivers Verdict

All eight men pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting an offence and conspiracy to abstract electricity. Two also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentences ranged up to six years for Andrew Roberts, seen as a ringleader. Ross McGinn received five years and four months, with other gang members jailed for lesser terms based on their roles.

The case, heard at Liverpool Crown Court, followed a complex investigation involving police forces across England, Scotland, and Wales. Authorities from Metropolitan, Avon and Somerset, Durham, Gloucestershire, and many other forces worked together to track the gang’s movements and compile the evidence.

The Wider Impact of Cannabis Farm Electricity Theft

Community Risks and Electrical Hazards

Cannabis farm electricity theft is not victimless. The criminals’ reckless wiring posed serious fire and electrical hazards not just to themselves but also to neighbourhoods and first responders. The work was often sub-standard, risking outages, severe property damage, and even injury or death.

Impact on the UK’s Electricity Network

When criminals illegally divert electricity, legitimate customers often bear the cost. With over £250,000 of stolen electricity and more than 54 sites involved, utility companies and local communities are left to foot the bill for damages and lost energy. Such schemes can also lead to higher energy prices and greater pressure on public resources.

Organised Crime’s Exploitation of Skilled Labour

This case shines a light on how UK cannabis farms are powered not just by criminals, but by those with specialist skills willing to take big legal risks. “Professional enablers” are increasingly vital to organised crime gangs, allowing them to carry out complex energy theft operations in plain sight.

Preventing Cannabis Farm Electricity Theft in the Future

Addressing the ongoing issue of cannabis farm electricity theft will require multi-agency cooperation. Police, utility providers, and councils must share intelligence and act quickly when suspicious repair works are spotted. Greater scrutiny of sub-contractor companies and roadworks, plus better public awareness, may also disrupt future schemes.

Utility companies are urged to report suspicious street works and set up rapid response teams. Authorities also recommend that local residents keep an eye out for unauthorised roadworks and high-visibility teams digging at odd hours or unusual locations.

Source: dbrecoveryresources