A 26-year-old man has been convicted after he set up a hidden website that was used to buy and sell illegal drugs across Europe.
David Trail was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday after months of police work uncovered his international operation.
Following information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Crime Agency and West Hessen Police in Germany, Police Scotland identified Trail and executed a search warrant at an address on Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, on 6 November 2014. After recovering evidence from the property, Trail was arrested.
Detective Inspector Brian Stuart, of Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Unit, said: “The conviction of Mr Trail is the culmination of significant collaboration between Police Scotland, the FBI, West Hessen Police and the National Crime Agency. There is no doubt that the early intervention of law enforcement prevented Trail from pedalling drugs in his serious and organised criminal enterprise. Â The tenacity shown by our officers, as well as our German, American and NCA colleagues, led to this successful result.
“New and traditional policing technique’s assisted in bringing Mr Trail to justice.
“Following information from colleagues in FBI, West Hessen Police and the NCA, Police Scotland identified David Trail and his operation and ownership of a hidden website designed to enable its users to buy and sell illegal drugs anonymously and beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“His targeting of a previous employer and overcoming their security almost had a devastating effect on the companies’ ability to remain in business. The conviction of Mr Trail should serve as a reminder to those wishing to involve themselves in criminal enterprises on the internet that there is no hiding place.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people and businesses safe and will use its worldwide network of contacts to bring those engaged in criminal activity before the courts.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
