In a saga that mirrors the plot of a crime thriller, British brothers Joseph and Gregory Mulhare built an illicit drug empire that stretched from the UK to exotic international destinations. For years, their operation remained elusive, hidden behind a lavish lifestyle and an intricate web of deception. However, their reign came crashing down in November 2018, when a coordinated police raid in Thailand shattered their facade of invincibility.
A Life of Luxury Fueled by Crime
Operating a sophisticated drug syndicate, the Mulhare brothers trafficked cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines across Britain and continental Europe. Their criminal network, orchestrated from glamorous locations such as Ibiza, Tenerife, and France, allowed them to indulge in a high-flying existence. According to reports from the Liverpool Echo, their carefully crafted operation kept them largely out of direct scrutiny—until one of their own turned against them.
Picture courtesy of Universal News And Sport
The Mastermind and the Enforcer
Joseph Mulhare, identified as the “principal” of the operation, maintained a distance from the physical handling of narcotics, using a “cell-like structure” to control drug distribution while shielding himself from direct exposure. Prosecutor Ian Unsworth KC described him as “a formidable figure,” adept at orchestrating the syndicate’s movements from Spain while ensuring that drugs flowed seamlessly into England, Scotland, and beyond.
His younger brother, Gregory, took a more hands-on approach. Managing logistics with military precision, he oversaw the network of drivers and dealers essential to sustaining their vast enterprise. Despite an extravagant lifestyle, Gregory had no registered income and had evaded tax payments for five years before his arrest.
Picture courtesy of Universal News And Sport
Layers of Secrecy Unraveled
The Mulhares’ operation thrived on secrecy and advanced technology. They utilized encrypted PGP phones for covert communication and modified vehicles with hidden compartments to transport drugs and cash undetected. Their elaborate system created an illusion of untouchability—until an insider decided to betray them.
Ronnie Bateman, once a trusted associate, turned informant and provided authorities with crucial intelligence that unraveled the brothers’ operation. During Operation Manhattan, Bateman’s testimony confirmed key details uncovered by investigators, offering an inside look at the scale and complexity of the criminal enterprise.
The Breaking Bad Connection
Investigators discovered that the Mulhares weren’t just distributors—they were also manufacturers. Basements in Birkenhead housed large-scale ecstasy production, while a Breaking Bad-style amphetamine lab was uncovered in Rock Ferry. The brothers even risked residential areas, exposing unsuspecting communities to hazardous chemicals in their relentless pursuit of profit.
Picture courtesy of Universal News And Sport
The Beginning of the End
As law enforcement closed in, the brothers evaded capture for over a year, fleeing to Morocco, Turkey, and finally Thailand. Their efforts to stay ahead of authorities ended in November 2018 when a globally coordinated raid led to their arrest.
Faced with the choice of facing justice in Thailand or the UK, the brothers opted for extradition. Their return to British soil marked the final chapter of their criminal exploits, as they faced trial under heavy security.
Justice Served
The courtroom was packed as the extent of their crimes was laid bare. Joseph Mulhare, the mastermind, received a 15-year prison sentence, while Gregory was sentenced to 12 years. As he left the courtroom, Gregory remained defiant, offering a parting shot: “Nice one, see youse all later.”
Their downfall extended beyond just the two brothers—24 other individuals tied to their network also faced legal repercussions.
A Cautionary Tale
Reflecting on the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hussey acknowledged the challenges his team faced in dismantling the Mulhare empire. “This has been a long and complex operation, but ultimately, we have brought the two main ringleaders to justice,” he stated.
The rise and fall of the Mulhare brothers serve as a stark reminder of the inevitable fate of even the most sophisticated criminal enterprises. Despite their illusion of untouchability, their empire crumbled under the weight of its own ambition, exposing the dangers and destruction left in its wake.
