Two members of an organised crime group (OCG) in Chester have been ordered to repay over £280,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

On Wednesday 26 February 2025, Paul Ibell, Sean Mooney, and Edward Kaye, all appeared at Chester Crown Court where they were sentenced for their roles in the supply of illegal drugs as part of 'Operation Leonardo'.

Conducted by Cheshire Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the investigation looked into the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis in Chester and North Wales.

Ibell and Mooney, the ringleaders of the drug operation, shared a legitimate painting and decorating business. The pair used their business vehicle as a means of covertly transporting multi-kilo supplies of cannabis and conducting criminal meetings.

As their criminal enterprise grew, Ibell and Mooney employed their associate, 30 year-old Edward Kaye, of Bridge Court, Chester, to assist in the cultivation of cannabis at a property in North Wales.

As the policing operation began to close in on them, a series of warrants were executed by SOCU officers at the primary addresses used by the OCG, one of which was found to contain over 60 cannabis plants in a sophisticated set-up.

Detectives established that Ibell, Mooney, and Kaye, were involved in the sale of at least 200 kilos of cannabis as a result of their operation in Chester, Merseyside and North Wales.

The men were arrested during a strike day on Wednesday 6 March 2024 and subsequently charged with conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis).

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They appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 26 February 2025, where they were sentenced for their roles in the supply in illegal drugs.

Ibell was sentenced to 16 years in prison, Mooney was sentenced to five years, and Kaye was sentenced to three years and four months.

At a hearing on Monday 16 March 2026, a judge ruled that Ibell and Mooney benefited to the total value of approximately £1,499,589.00 due to their criminal activities.

Following an assessment of the assets seized at the time of their arrest, Ibell must now pay £135,063.16, while Mooney must pay £150,456.01. These payments must be made in full within three months.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: "Ibell and Mooney were intent on committing crime and profiting off those most vulnerable within Cheshire.

"Thanks to the work carried out by our dedicated team of officers, not only are they now being held accountable behind bars, but they have also been ordered to pay back a significant amount of their ill-gotten gains.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act is just one of the ways we can disrupt criminality and I hope this case demonstrates the lengths we will go to in order to target those who have profited from crime and ensure that when they are released from prison, they can no longer benefit from wealth earned through criminal means."