Faisal Razzaq, 44, who was previously imprisoned for the 2005 manslaughter of PC Sharon Beshenivsky, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of eight years after becoming a central figure in a criminal operation supplying converted firearms across the capital.
Razzaq was one of the final six members of the network sentenced at Harrow Crown Court, bringing a major Metropolitan Police investigation into the illegal gun trade to a close. The gang was responsible for converting blank-firing weapons into firearms capable of firing live ammunition before distributing them to buyers across London.
Investigation conclusion
Detective Inspector Andy Durham, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Today’s sentences bring this complex investigation to its conclusion. Faisal Razzaq, someone who was previously involved in the fatal shooting of a police officer, played a pivotal role in moving these dangerous converted firearms onto London’s streets.”
He added: “I am pleased the Met investigation has resulted in Razzaq being jailed again for a significant period of time. By dismantling the entire network, from those converting the weapons to those distributing and storing them, we have prevented a significant number of illegal firearms from reaching the public.”
Firearms seized
The Metropolitan Police launched a 10-month investigation into the network, uncovering an organised operation involved in converting and distributing illegal weapons. Detectives recovered 14 converted firearms linked to the gang before they could reach the streets, potentially preventing the weapons from being used in serious acts of violence.
According to the Met, the investigation also contributed to a significant reduction in shootings involving converted blank-firing weapons. The operation targeted those responsible for both preparing the firearms and moving them through the criminal supply chain.
Sentences handed down
Razzaq was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of eight years, while Robert Dorey received eight years, Ricky Dorey 10 years, Abdul Rahman Saleh seven years and six months, Patrick Loughnane eight years and six months, and Tammy Rigg five years and three months in prison.
At a sentencing hearing in February, the gang’s ringleader Thomas McKenna, 60, who converted firearms in his caravan in South Ockendon, was jailed for 16 years after he pleaded guilty to a series of firearms offences. McKenna also admitted making explosives and having a collection of terrorist material. His partner Tina Smith, 55, also of South Ockendon, received six years’ imprisonment, after she also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm, making explosives and having a collection of terrorist material.
Gun customers Allan Crosby, 44, of Sidcup, and Ryan Smith, 44, of Dunton Green, were sentenced to 10 years and seven-and-a-half years respectively after being found with a converted Ceonic pistol and modified ammunition.
Razzaq worked closely with brothers Robert and Ricky Dorey, neighbours of McKenna, to distribute the converted firearms. Saleh assisted Razzaq with handling and moving the weapons, while Loughnane acted as an intermediary between the Doreys and McKenna. Rigg stored a converted firearm at her home following instructions from the group.
Durham said: “The Met continues to intensify its work to drive down firearms offences and take weapons off the streets. Last year alone, officers seized 676 firearms, a 75 per cent increase on 2024. Our teams will continue to relentlessly target anyone involved in gun crime.”
