News -
Criminal group converting and selling blank firearms dismantled after Met investigation
An entire criminal network responsible for the conversion, sale and possession of converted blank firearms in London, has been dismantled as the result of a Metropolitan Police investigation.
A 10-month investigation by detectives has led to the conviction of the 10 gang members and crucially recovered 14 firearms before they could reach London’s streets.
Today, 60-year-old Thomas McKenna, (23.01.66) of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, who led the group and converted the weapons inside his caravan, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.
More than 80 officers were involved in the raid on McKenna’s three caravans and a scene was maintained for three days after officers found a number of firearms, ammunition and homemade explosives.
The gang were so prolific that since McKenna’s arrest there has been a significant reduction in the number of converted blank firearms involved in shootings in London.
This comes as the Met intensifies 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.
At the same time, the number of firearms discharges dropped to less than half the levels seen seven years ago, showing the Met’s approach is working and making London’s streets safer.
Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple, of the Met’s Specialist Crime team, said:
“Thanks to a superb investigation by Specialist Crime detectives an entire criminal gang responsible for the supply of firearms has been shut down.
“This case is a great example of the work police officers are carrying out day in and day out that has led to record reductions in shootings.
“Since the arrest of Thomas McKenna, we have seen a significant drop in the number of converted blank firearms involved in shootings in London.
“That demonstrates his importance in the supply of illegal firearms and why it was so crucial his criminal network was dismantled.
“We will relentlessly pursue anyone involved in the use, supply and conversion of firearms to keep the public in London safe from gun crime.”
An investigation was launched in May 2024 following intelligence indicating that Faisal Razzaq – one of the men who played a key part in the network - was involved in the sale and transfer of firearms.
Detectives used a range of advanced covert tactics, including surveillance, to identify a vehicle that contained a firearm.
The vehicle was stopped in Harrow on its way to Notting Hill Carnival on Monday, 26 August 2024 and a firearm and ammunition was seized. Forensic analysis later linked this firearm to McKenna.
A subsequent warrant at McKenna’s caravan, on 6 November 2024 uncovered a drill and lathe used for converting firearms, as well as improvised explosive devices and manuals on bomb‑making and converting blank weapons. This resulted in Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London assisting the investigation.
Specialist officers seized more than 100 pieces of evidence, including firearms, ammunition and improvised explosives. A large cordon was maintained to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents on the Buckles Lane site.
McKenna and his partner, Tina Smith, 55, were charged with multiple firearms offences, the manufacture of explosives and possession of terrorist information. Their digital devices showed evidence of extreme right‑wing views and discussions about preparing for a race war.
They had downloaded and shared documents and videos outlining how to construct explosive devices and convert blank‑firing weapons into viable firearms.
A further eight individuals were arrested for their involvement in the supply or possession of firearms.
One of these was Razzaq, 44, who had previously served 11 years in prison for the manslaughter of PC Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005, who was identified as distributing converted firearms supplied by Robert, 44, and Ricky Dorey, 43, neighbours of McKenna and Smith.
Razzaq was assisted by Abdul Rahman Saleh, 32, who lived nearby.
Patrick Loughnane, 59, facilitated communication between Dorey and McKenna.
Customers Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith, both 44, were convicted of possessing a converted Ceonic pistol and compatible modified ammunition.
Tammy Rigg, 39, Loughnane’s niece, agreed to store a converted firearm at her home in South Ockendon.
She was arrested after officers observed Dorey attending her address on 29 November and later pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.
At Kingston Crown Court on 12 February, McKenna was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment, plus a further 5 years on licence.
Tina Smith (17.01.71) of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, plus 12 months as special custodial sentence for terrorist offences.
Allan Crosby (29.07.81) of Etfield Grove, Sidcup was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.
Ryan Smith (04.10.81) of Morants Court Road, Dunton Green was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment.
The other six defendants will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 26 February.
Full list of charges
Thomas McKenna, pleaded guilty to:
-Converting imitation firearms into firearms, contrary to section 4(3) of the Firearms Act 1968
=Conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited firearms, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977
Conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited ammunition, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977
Two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to section 5(1)(aba) of the Firearms Act 1968
Possessing prohibited ammunition, contrary to section 5(1A)(f) of the Firearms Act 1968
Possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to section 5(1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968
Possessing firearms when prohibited, contrary to section 21(1) of the Firearms Act 1968
Possessing ammunition when prohibted, contrary to section 21(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.
Making explosives, contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883
Attempting to make explosives, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883
Three counts of collection of terrorist information, contrary to section 58(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000
Tina Smith pleaded guilty to:
Possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to section 5(1)(aba) of the Firearms Act 1968
Making explosives, contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883
Three counts of collection of terrorist information, contrary to section 58(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000
Allan Crosby was convicted on 3 November after a trial of
|
Possessing/purchasing or acquiring ammunition without a firearm certificate/authority, contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. Possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to section 5(1)(aba) of the Firearms Act 1968. Possessing a firearm when prohibited, contrary to section 21(1) of the Firearms Act 1968. He pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug of Class A with intent, contrary to section 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. |
Ryan Smith was also convicted on 3 November 2025 after a trial of
Possession of a prohibited weapon (firearm) and modified ammunition.
Possessing/purchasing or acquiring ammunition without a firearm certificate/authority, contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968.
Possessing a firearm when prohibited, contrary to section 21(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.
All material from the case available to download here
