May.12, 2010

POLICE block bid for 30st associate to take over running of taxi firm linked to a money-laundering gang led by Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson.

Man-mountain Greg Campbell wanted to take over United Cars but he has been knocked back for a booking office licence under new anti-gangster laws.

Until last year, Campbell, 36, manned the phones for the firm, run by George Mullen, a crony of jailed underworld boss Stevenson.

When Mullen realised he wouldn't be allowed to run a radio base under tough new laws, he "sold" the firm to Campbell, who has no previous convictions.

The cab firm, who have bases in Glasgow's Castlemilk and Rutherglen, south Lanarkshire, changed their name to Strathclyde Radio Cars.

But police and council sources believe the "takeover" is a ruse to allow Mullen to continue raking in profits.

Previously, only drivers had to be licensed - meaning criminals were free to run radio bases.

Mullen appeared in the dock alongside Stevenson after an operation which led to the Iceman being jailed for 12 years for money laundering.

Charges against Mullen were dropped as part of a secret plea deal.

He was also the passenger in a car in which police found £400,000 of drugs money. Mullen escaped prosecution but business partner Peter Smith, another Stevenson ally, was jailed for three years.

Mullen's cab company rake in up to £30,000 a week from their 286 drivers, who pay £105 a week.

Strathclyde Police head of licensing Chief Inspector Stuart Neill said: "Mr Campbell stated he purchased the company from Mr Mullen on November 2009 - a week before the deadline for booking office applications.

"A £5000 down-payment was paid to Mr Mullen with an agreement made to pay Mr Mullen a total of £500,000 over 54 months.

"Since then Mr Campbell has been the sole owner of the company."

But police said the business was being carried out "for the benefit" of Mullen.

At a licensing meeting last week, Campbell's lawyer said the deal was "legitimate" and Mullen no longer had anything to do with the firm.

Glasgow City Council refused the licence but the firm can stay open pending a court appeal.

Campbell, from East Kilbride, said: "My legal team are reviewing Glasgow City Council's decision."

Mr Neill said: "We know criminals have been benefiting from their involvement in the booking offices for taxi and private hire companies.

"This new legislation has given us the opportunity to do something about it."