Gang leader sentenced to 35 years after revealing identity in selfie

Michael Riccio, a 37-year-old gang leader, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for drug and gun offenses. His downfall was linked to a selfie he sent showing his missing tooth, which helped police identify him on the encrypted platform EncroChat. Riccio used EncroChat to coordinate a drug and gun network across the UK and internationally. He was found guilty of transferring and possessing prohibited weapons and money laundering, with evidence showing he dealt in significant quantities of cocaine and heroin. The court revealed Riccio had connections to criminal activities in multiple countries and employed dock workers to aid his operations. Judge Gary Woodhall emphasized the seriousness of his crimes, leading to consecutive sentences for his drug and firearm offenses.