TWO Warrington-based members of an organised crime group (OCG) who earned more than £1m each from their criminal activity have been ordered to repay more than £140,000 in criminal profits.
A number of assets were also seized, including equity in a property, a caravan, two Rolex watches, cash, and boxing memorabilia.
Simon Johnson, aged 44, and Michael Sherwood, aged 54 used the encrypted communications platform EncroChat to distribute significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis across the Northwest.
The two men, respectively, are believed to have been part of an organised crime drugs conspiracy with an estimated value of £789,000.
Johnson and Sherwood were both arrested on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, following a warrant at Sherwood’s address on Sedgewick Court, Warrington.
Following a search of Sherwood’s address, detectives recovered a large quantity of cash, a quantity of cannabis, and multiple mobile phones.
A warrant was also conducted at Johnson’s address on Edward Gardens in Woolston, Warrington, following his arrest. Here, detectives found a quantity of cannabis, a mobile phone, and a number of high-value items, including boxing memorabilia and a Rolex watch.
Detectives from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit analysed EncroChat data linked to Johnson and Sherwood, uncovering evidence of their involvement in large-scale drug supply between March and June 2020. The messages highlighted their roles as sophisticated and organised criminals operating within a well-established drugs network.
The pair were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis), possession with intent to supply Class B drugs (cannabis), and possession of criminal property.
Both men pleaded guilty and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Johnson was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Sherwood received a seven-year sentence.
Following sentencing, a timetable was set under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and a financial investigation was launched. This established that Johnson had benefited by £1,078,362 from his criminal activity, while Sherwood had gained £1,291,593.
On Friday, 1 May, the case returned to Liverpool Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime hearing, where the judge ordered the pair to repay a combined total of £142,703.
In addition to the financial orders, a number of assets were seized, including equity in a property, a caravan, two Rolex watches, cash, and boxing memorabilia.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson, SOCU, said: “This is an excellent example of how crime does not pay and highlights the dedication of our officers in bringing offenders to justice.
“These confiscation orders remove significant sums of money from individuals’ intent on committing crime in Cheshire.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act is a vital tool in disrupting criminal networks, and I hope this case sends a clear message that we are committed to ensuring offenders cannot profit from their actions.”
The two men and some of their proceeds
